somewhat laughable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat laughable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is amusing or ridiculous to a certain degree, often in a critical or dismissive context. Example: "The idea that he could win the competition without any preparation was somewhat laughable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And it seems somewhat laughable that a man who has expressed a belief that the phases of the moon affect blood clotting (Tredinnick again) can be appointed to the Commons Science Committee.

The Guardian

The "Updated Network Security/Firewall" seems somewhat laughable and, unfortunately, "Encryption" has very little importance.

TechCrunch

Such a concept would be somewhat laughable, save for the fact that we fully expect the likes of Nissan and Honda to get into a bit of a feud in the tuner realm and factory-made cars that are a bit less extreme than this will surely figure strongly in the game.

Forbes

Other than the somewhat laughable theories that the temple is secretly training Communist Nazi's for world domination, there are indeed less absurd reasons for these criticisms.

Huffington Post

He didn't just support John McCain; he insinuated that Barack Obama might be a Marxist and, what's more, questioned his overall ability to lead (a somewhat laughable implication, considering the source).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But despite the appalling suffering endured by the people of North Korea, the late Kim Jong-il, enjoyed somewhat "roguish", laughable status in the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first notion seems somewhat plausible, the second verges on laughable: during fall Saturdays, New Yorkers who moved from elsewhere congregate at whatever bar their alumni organization has coopted as a meeting point, while natives simply wait until Sunday.

The New Yorker

Fourth, a somewhat usable browser (the current "experimental" browser is even more laughable).

TechCrunch

If, like me, you're somewhat cynical about yet another day sponsored by greetings card companies, then buying into this nonsense is illogical, if not laughable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Laughable, too.

The Economist

Laughable ineptitude?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat laughable" to express mild amusement or ridicule, typically when something falls short of being completely absurd but is still worthy of a chuckle or dismissive remark. For a stronger effect, consider alternatives like "utterly ridiculous" or "patently absurd".

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat laughable" in highly formal or professional writing, as its slightly informal tone can undermine the seriousness of the message. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated alternatives such as "questionable" or "dubious" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat laughable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as mildly ridiculous or amusing. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase can be used to describe something that is amusing or ridiculous to a certain degree, often in a critical or dismissive context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat laughable" is an adjectival phrase used to express mild amusement or ridicule, indicating that something is slightly ridiculous or absurd. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal writing. Alternatives include "slightly ridiculous", "a bit absurd", and "almost laughable". Predominantly found in News & Media, its frequency is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost laughable

This conveys that the subject is very close to being completely ridiculous but not quite reaching that point.

slightly ridiculous

This alternative focuses on the element of being ridiculous, but with a qualifier of 'slightly' to soften the tone, much like "somewhat".

a bit absurd

This suggests something deviates from what is considered normal or logical, sharing a similar lighthearted dismissiveness.

rather preposterous

This alternative implies the subject is beyond the bounds of reason or good judgment, increasing the level of incredulity.

mildly farcical

This emphasizes the comical and exaggerated nature of the subject, akin to a farce, but less intense.

vaguely ludicrous

This highlights the absurdity and foolishness with an undertone of ambiguity or uncertainty.

somewhat comical

This focuses on the amusing aspect, suggesting something is funny to a certain extent.

slightly amusing

This emphasizes the entertaining or funny aspects, but with a limited degree of intensity.

a little silly

This suggests a lack of seriousness or sense, implying a lighter, more playful tone.

kind of droll

This denotes an odd or dry sense of humor, suggesting something is amusing in an understated way.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat laughable" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat laughable" to describe something that is mildly ridiculous or amusing. For example, "His attempt to fix the car himself was "somewhat laughable" because he didn't even know where to start".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat laughable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "slightly ridiculous", "a bit absurd", or "almost laughable".

Is "somewhat laughable" formal or informal?

"Somewhat laughable" leans towards being slightly informal. While it's acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might call for alternatives that convey the same meaning with a more serious tone.

What's the difference between "somewhat laughable" and "utterly ridiculous"?

"Somewhat laughable" implies a mild degree of amusement or ridicule, suggesting something is a bit silly or absurd. "Utterly ridiculous", on the other hand, conveys a much stronger sense of absurdity, indicating that something is completely and undeniably foolish.