ridiculous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ridiculous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "ridiculous" when you want to describe something as absurd, foolish, or outrageous. For example, "The outfit he was wearing was really ridiculous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't be ridiculous".

The New York Times

It is ridiculous.

The New York Times

It was a ridiculous idea dreamed up by his advisers who have served him badly.

The Guardian

"This is ridiculous".

The New York Times

From the sublime to the ridiculous.

The Guardian - Music

"I think it was ridiculous," he said of the shutdown.

The Guardian

As an intelligent 39-year-old woman I know this is completely ridiculous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What, we're supposed to call his cousin?" A large man in front of me with graying hair sounds relieved: "I thought I was the only one who thought this whole thing is ridiculous".

The Guardian

It's ridiculous that you cannot have a normal analogue watch".

The Guardian

It really is an eye-goggling, mind-boggling dramedy-farce, hilarious and uproarious and ridiculous with superb effects.

The Guardian - Film

I found it absurd – nice, but ridiculous – that two normal people would think they had any hand in the future of money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ridiculous" to express strong disapproval or mockery of something seen as absurd or foolish. Ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the perceived absurdity.

Common error

Avoid using "ridiculous" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or objective language to maintain a professional tone, such as "unreasonable" or "inappropriate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ridiculous" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as absurd, foolish, or deserving of ridicule. Ludwig indicates it's correctly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Film

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ridiculous" is a common adjective used to describe something as absurd, foolish, or deserving of ridicule. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid "ridiculous" in highly formal settings, opting for more neutral alternatives like "unreasonable" or "inappropriate". To effectively use this word, make sure the context clearly demonstrates the reason for the perceived absurdity or foolishness. Be aware of potential spelling errors, and remember to choose the best alternative to express your meaning more accurately such as "absurd", "ludicrous" or "preposterous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd

Implies a higher degree of irrationality or disconnect from logic than "ridiculous".

ludicrous

Suggests something laughably or comically absurd, similar to "ridiculous" but often more extreme.

preposterous

Indicates something utterly absurd or outrageous, often beyond belief; stronger than "ridiculous".

farcical

Implies absurdity through chaotic or disorganized actions, adding a sense of comical disarray.

laughable

Emphasizes the quality of being worthy of laughter or mockery due to its absurdity.

nonsensical

Highlights the lack of sense or logical coherence in something; focuses on the absence of meaning.

asinine

Suggests extreme foolishness or stupidity, often implying a lack of intelligence.

unreasonable

Indicates a lack of reason or justification, focusing on the unfair or unwarranted nature.

idiotic

Implies a high degree of stupidity or foolishness, often used to express strong disapproval.

pathetic

Can imply something is so inadequate or poor as to be deserving of scornful pity, differing from the pure absurdity of "ridiculous".

FAQs

How can I use "ridiculous" in a sentence?

You can use "ridiculous" to describe something that is absurd or deserves mockery. For instance, "The suggestion that we should ignore the evidence is "ridiculous"".

What can I say instead of "ridiculous"?

Alternatives to "ridiculous" include "absurd", "ludicrous", or "preposterous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "ridiculous" or "rediculous"?

"Ridiculous" is the correct spelling. "Rediculous" is a misspelling and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "ridiculous" and "silly"?

"Ridiculous" implies a higher degree of absurdity or unreasonableness, while "silly" suggests something is merely foolish or lacking in seriousness. "Ridiculous" often carries a stronger negative connotation.