resigned laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resigned laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that conveys acceptance or resignation, often in response to a difficult or disappointing situation. Example: "She let out a resigned laugh, realizing that nothing would change despite her efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's O.K.," said Mr. Kingsley, 59, with a resigned laugh.

The New York Times

"But if I don't, I don't, you know, hey," she said with a resigned laugh.

The New York Times

"Here is far more long-term," Mr. Steinhardt said, noting with a resigned laugh that many of the trees he plants won't mature until after his death.

The New York Times

"I never thought when I chose dance as my profession that I'd be inextricably linked to real estate," Ms. Allen of the Trisha Brown troupe said with a resigned laugh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He finally ended this unbearable interval with a resigned little laugh and the disastrous words, "O.K., I'm a Nazi".

The New York Times

Gilbert Rozon, founder of the Montreal-based comedy festival Just for Laughs, has resigned amidst allegations that he sexually harassed and assaulted nine women.

Vice

Gilbert Rozon, founder of the Montreal-based comedy festival Just for Laughs, has resigned amid allegations that he sexually harassed and assaulted nine women.

Vice

Richard [Keys, who resigned after he was seen laughing with Gray in the footage] phoned her, apologised on our behalf and she said, 'Don't be so stupid, guys.'" As for what happened with his colleague Jackson, Gray said: "Again, it's probably an old man trying to be funny.

The Guardian - Sport

"Oh, my only message would be: resign," Gore said, laughing.

HuffPost

Again, she wasn't playing along or laughing, but seemed almost resigned to the attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has the air of a family man who is resigned to being a square — let 'em laugh.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resigned laugh" to subtly convey a character's acceptance of an unfortunate situation, adding depth to their emotional state without resorting to explicit statements of resignation. This can be particularly effective in narratives where internal feelings are not directly expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "resigned laugh" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make characters seem overly passive or defeatist, diminishing the emotional complexity you aim to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resigned laugh" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'resigned' modifies 'laugh'. It describes the quality or manner of the laugh, indicating the underlying emotion or attitude of the person laughing. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and effectively conveys a specific emotional state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resigned laugh" effectively communicates a blend of amusement and acceptance, often in the face of an unfavorable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to convey a character's emotional state subtly. Alternatives such as "wry chuckle" or "rueful laugh" can provide similar nuances. When employing "resigned laugh", consider its impact to avoid overuse, ensuring its emotional weight is maintained throughout the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rueful laugh

Expresses regret or sorrow mixed with amusement, adding a layer of self-awareness.

wry chuckle

Emphasizes a dry, ironic form of amusement, slightly diminishing the sense of resignation.

dispirited laugh

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm and the presence of discouragement in the laugh.

deflated chuckle

Suggests a sense of disappointment and reduced energy, somewhat akin to resignation.

ironic chuckle

Focuses on the incongruity of the situation, less on the feeling of resignation.

fatalistic chuckle

Implies a belief that events are predetermined and inevitable, adding a philosophical layer.

bitter laugh

Highlights the negativity and resentment more strongly than the original phrase.

hollow laugh

Suggests a lack of sincerity or depth in the amusement, hinting at emptiness.

acceptance laugh

Directly points to acceptance, removing the subtle nuance of underlying disappointment.

forced laugh

Implies the laugh is not genuine and is done out of obligation or discomfort.

FAQs

What does "resigned laugh" mean?

A "resigned laugh" is a laugh that expresses acceptance of something undesirable or inevitable, often with a hint of disappointment or weariness. It suggests a reluctant acknowledgment of a situation that cannot be changed.

How can I use "resigned laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "resigned laugh" to describe someone's reaction to an unfavorable situation. For example: "Faced with the mounting bills, she gave a "resigned laugh" and started looking for a second job."

What are some alternatives to "resigned laugh"?

Alternatives include "wry chuckle", "bitter laugh", or "rueful laugh". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "resigned laugh" formal or informal?

"Resigned laugh" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in narrative writing or descriptive passages where emotional expression is important. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and style of the writing.