target of derision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "target of derision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is ridiculed or mocked by others. Example: "After his embarrassing performance, he became the target of derision among his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The source of pride had become a target of derision, and this hurt badly.

The Guardian - Opinion

His sunny comments about progress in Iraq had made him a target of derision.

The New York Times

It has made Davis's team a target of derision and praise.

The New York Times - Sports

Their preferred information funnel, Fox News, has been the target of derision for years, including from presidents, with little objection from other outlets.

The Washington Post

It makes for interesting reading 35 years later, since the neoliberalism it describes bears little resemblance to today's target of derision.

The Guardian

The idea that voters could ever be overruled has made Mr. Wiener a target of derision, even in his own liberal corner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Republicans and Democrats alike were targets of derision.

The New Yorker

Abrams supporter Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif). — who Trump frequently calls "a low IQ" individual — is one of his most frequent targets of derision.

The Washington Post

I've seen strong, intelligent women stalked online because they were women and their proximity to the things the lads loved was enough to make them targets of derision and anger.

TechCrunch

Modern criticism is almost universal in its harsh negativity toward the game and the animated cutscenes have become particular targets of derision.

Wikipedia

The target of their derision is the region's politicians.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "target of derision" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is the specific recipient of ridicule, not just generally disliked or criticized.

Common error

Avoid using "target of derision" when simple disagreement or critique is meant. Reserve it for situations involving explicit mockery or scorn.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "target of derision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing entities subjected to ridicule or mockery.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "target of derision" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something that is the object of ridicule or mockery. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's not a very common expression, it's well-understood and serves to highlight the recipient of scorn. Related phrases include "object of ridicule" and "subject of mockery". It's essential to use the phrase accurately, reserving it for situations where explicit mockery is present rather than simple disagreement. Be sure not to confuse it with words that denote other states of mind such as "scapegoat" or "object of scorn".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

object of ridicule

Replaces "target" with "object" and "derision" with "ridicule", maintaining the core meaning.

subject of mockery

Uses "subject" instead of "target" and "mockery" instead of "derision", offering a slightly less formal tone.

object of scorn

Substitutes "derision" with "scorn", emphasizing contempt and disdain.

focus of mockery

Replaces "target" with "focus", suggesting attention centered on the mockery.

victim of ridicule

Highlights the negative impact of being the recipient of ridicule.

butt of jokes

Employs a more colloquial expression, indicating someone who is frequently joked about.

laughingstock

Conveys the idea of being someone widely ridiculed or considered absurd.

figure of fun

A more British expression meaning someone who is made fun of.

source of amusement

Indicates that someone or something is unintentionally funny or ridiculous.

scapegoat

Someone or something that is unfairly blamed for problems.

FAQs

How to use "target of derision" in a sentence?

Use "target of derision" when describing someone or something that is being mocked or ridiculed. For example, "After the blunder, he became the "target of derision" among his colleagues."

What can I say instead of "target of derision"?

You can use alternatives like "object of ridicule", "subject of mockery", or "laughingstock" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "target of derision" or "object of derision"?

Both "target of derision" and "object of derision" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "target of derision" and "scapegoat"?

"Target of derision" implies ridicule or mockery, while "scapegoat" suggests being unfairly blamed for something. They aren't interchangeable; derision focuses on the mockery, scapegoating on blame.