mockery

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mockery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being ridiculed or made fun of, often in a disrespectful way. For example, "His speech was a mockery of the issues facing our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paul Roos Demonss made a mockery of Gold Coast's finals aspirations, looking a transformed side in their 26-point MCG win.

The Guardian - Sport

Ahead of the report's publication tomorrow, Katie Ghose, chief executive of the ERS, told the Observer that retention of the current system for future elections would make a mockery of David Cameron's claim to want to build a one-nation Britain.

The Guardian

Related: Restricted franchise in EU referendum would make a mockery of democracy | Letters My own interest in this matter goes back many years – including devoting my maiden speech in the House of Commons in 2001 to the case for lowering the voting age to 16 across the board.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1913, at New York's Armory show, Nude Descending a Staircase No 2 was described with mockery as "an explosion in a shingle factory" or depicted as 'The Rude Descending the Staircase (Rush Hour in the Subway).

The Guardian - Arts

On top of every other mockery and humiliation currently heaped upon middlingly-aged men, "Your sperm's past it", seems an especially vicious addition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An has made only four bogeys in three rounds, which makes a mockery of a world ranking which stood at 132 before a Wentworth ball was struck.

The Guardian - Sport

When it comes to blatantly racist portrayals, the show's mockery of indigenous peoples in the Americas is profoundly demeaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scheme, which kicked off by getting baristas to write Race Together on coffee cups, attracted sharp criticism and social media mockery.

The Guardian

According to reports, a Jodhpur citizen has lodged court papers suggesting that Liz's marriage last month to waxwork nebbish Arun Nayar "made a mockery of Hindu customs".

The Guardian

The company has threatened a Pakistani blog that curated some online mockery of Axact following the publication of the story.

The Guardian

The show's racism doesn't end with its mockery of indigenous peoples: one of the Sábado Gigante's best-known recurring characters is La Cuatro, which is short for La Cuatro Dientes ("Four Teeth"), a reference to the character's social status – poor people, it's assumed, can't afford to fix their teeth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mockery" to emphasize the act of ridiculing or treating something with contempt, particularly when it undermines its importance or value.

Common error

Avoid using "mockery" when you intend to express satire, which uses humor to critique with the goal of bringing about social change. Mockery, on the other hand, is more direct and often lacks a constructive purpose.

Linguistic Context

The word "mockery" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe the act of ridiculing or treating something with contempt. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to express derision or to indicate something is a poor imitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mockery" is a versatile noun used to convey ridicule, derision, or contempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "ridicule", "derision", and "scorn" offer similar meanings, "mockery" often emphasizes the act of undermining something's importance. When writing, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it aligns with your intended message. While generally neutral, consider the audience and purpose to avoid unintended offense. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig underscore the breadth and depth of its application in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ridicule

Direct synonym referring to the act of making someone or something the object of scornful laughter.

derision

Similar to ridicule, but often implies a more contemptuous or scornful attitude.

scorn

Implies a feeling of contempt or disdain for someone or something considered inferior.

travesty

Refers to a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation or representation.

sham

Suggests something fake or deceptive that is presented as genuine.

parody

Imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

farce

A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterizations and ludicrously improbable situations.

caricature

A picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.

burlesque

A variety show.

lampoon

Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

FAQs

How can I use "mockery" in a sentence?

You can use "mockery" to describe something that is treated with ridicule or contempt, such as "The trial was a "mockery" of justice."

What are some synonyms for "mockery"?

Alternatives for "mockery" include "ridicule", "derision", "scorn", and "travesty", each carrying slightly different nuances of contempt or ridicule.

Is it appropriate to use "mockery" in formal writing?

While "mockery" can be used in formal writing, consider the tone and context. If your aim is to express a critical viewpoint without appearing overly scornful, alternatives like "criticism" or "satire" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "mockery" and "satire"?

"Mockery" involves ridiculing or making fun of something, whereas "satire" uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose or criticize people's stupidity or vices, often with the intent of promoting change.