ridiculous demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'ridiculous demand' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you think is unreasonable, expensive, or unwise. For example: "The landlord's demand for the full six months rent up front was a ridiculous demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it is, finally a ridiculous demand.

The New York Times

Working nearly half the year to afford only healthcare, and nothing else, is a ridiculous demand to make of low-wage workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I report back to the other room, I don't say, "Oh, they're saying there's no way in the world they'll accept what you want, it's a ridiculous demand".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whenever a higher-up swung by her office with a new ridiculous demand, she would pat the note.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The cartoon, which shows Ford making a series of ridiculous demands, including "roses, sparkling water, a bowl of green M&Ms" clearly ridicules the fact that she and her lawyers had to make a series of requests for her own safety.

Vice

"But our success has guaranteed the unions impunity to make ridiculous demands.

The New York Times - Arts

Games can require a tremendous amount of effort; they can make ridiculous demands and create needless busywork.

The New York Times - Tech

There are two main issues here: the real passion of those who sign petitions and the possibility that ridiculous demands may get out of hand.

Independent

Though they often break my heart by failing to grow -- or my back by making ridiculous demands -- I am determined to have them.

The New York Times

They also discover that the ridiculous demands on a man already free have a parallel in the extraordinary lengths to which people had to go to end slavery in this country.

The New York Times

This ugly strain was crudely evident in the "birthers" and their ridiculous demands that Mr. Obama produce his birth certificate to prove that he was American, and not secretly an African Muslim.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ridiculous demand" to express strong disapproval of a request, especially when it seems unfair, illogical, or completely out of line.

Common error

Avoid using "ridiculous demand" too frequently, as it can weaken its impact. Reserve it for situations where the demand truly warrants such strong criticism. Consider milder alternatives like "unreasonable request" or "difficult expectation" in less extreme cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ridiculous demand" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ridiculous" modifies the noun "demand". This construction serves to characterize the nature of the demand, indicating it is unreasonable or absurd, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ridiculous demand" is used to express disapproval for a request or expectation that is considered unreasonable or absurd. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it is suitable for many situations, though alternatives such as "absurd request" or "unreasonable expectation" may be more appropriate in certain formal settings. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd request

This alternative replaces 'demand' with 'request' and 'ridiculous' with 'absurd', conveying a similar sense of unreasonableness.

unreasonable expectation

This phrase shifts the focus to the expectation rather than the demand itself, highlighting its lack of justification.

outrageous requirement

Using 'outrageous' adds a stronger sense of indignation about the demand being excessive.

preposterous claim

This alternative suggests that the demand is not only unreasonable but also lacks any basis in reality.

ludicrous imposition

'Ludicrous' implies the demand is laughably absurd, while 'imposition' suggests it's unfairly forced upon someone.

exorbitant expectation

Replaces 'ridiculous' with 'exorbitant', often implying that the demand is too expensive or costly.

unjustified imposition

This option emphasizes the lack of a valid reason or basis for the demand.

far-fetched request

This alternative highlights the implausibility and unlikelihood of the demand being met.

impossible demand

This suggests the demand cannot be met, focusing on its infeasibility.

excessive stipulation

Emphasizes that the demand goes beyond what is fair or reasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "ridiculous demand" in a sentence?

You can use "ridiculous demand" to describe something someone wants that is completely unreasonable. For example, "The company's demand for employees to work overtime without pay was a "ridiculous demand"."

What are some alternatives to "ridiculous demand"?

Alternatives to "ridiculous demand" include "absurd request", "unreasonable expectation", or "outrageous requirement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "ridiculous demand" too informal for professional writing?

While "ridiculous demand" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, phrases like "unjustified imposition" or "unreasonable stipulation" might be more appropriate.

What makes a demand qualify as a "ridiculous demand"?

A "ridiculous demand" is one that is perceived as unreasonable, excessive, or completely lacking in justification. It often implies that the demand is unrealistic or impossible to fulfill.