ridiculousness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, conversational; occasionally used in semi-formal criticism or commentary.
Quick answer
What does “ridiculousness” mean?
The quality or state of being deserving of mockery or scorn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being deserving of mockery or scorn; extreme foolishness or absurdity.
The often humorous or preposterous quality of an action, situation, or appearance that is so unreasonable, illogical, or incongruous that it invites derision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American informal speech. In British English, the simple adjective 'ridiculous' is often preferred.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally more frequent in American corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “ridiculousness” in a Sentence
the ridiculousness of + NP (the idea, the plan, his argument)realise/appreciate/see + the ridiculousnesslaugh at + the ridiculousnessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ridiculousness” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He was ridiculously over-dressed for the barbecue.
American English
- The line was ridiculously long, so we left.
adjective
British English
- The plan was dismissed as utterly ridiculous.
American English
- That's a ridiculous price for a cup of coffee.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in informal critique: 'The ridiculousness of the new reporting requirements is slowing us all down.'
Academic
Very rare. Preferred terms: 'fallacy', 'logical inconsistency', 'implausibility'.
Everyday
Primary context. Used to comment on amusingly absurd situations: 'We just laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ridiculousness”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ridiculousness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ridiculousness”
- Confusing spelling: 'rediculousness' (incorrect). Confusing with 'ridicule' (the act of mocking). Overusing in formal writing where 'absurdity' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard noun formed from the adjective 'ridiculous', though it is less common than the adjective itself.
'Ridiculousness' is the quality of being ridiculous. 'Ridicule' is the act of mocking or making fun of someone/something.
It is primarily informal or conversational. In formal writing, 'absurdity', 'foolishness', or 'preposterousness' are often preferred.
Rarely. It is almost always negative or critical. However, it can be used affectionately or humorously to describe something endearingly silly.
The quality or state of being deserving of mockery or scorn.
Ridiculousness: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌdɪk.jəˈlɒs.nəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌdɪk.jəˈlʌs.nəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beyond ridiculousness”
- “Reach new heights of ridiculousness”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'ridiculous' circus act that is a complete mess (-NESS). The 'ness' at the end turns the adjective into the state or quality of being that adjective.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSURDITY IS A DEPTH/HEIGHT (plumb new depths of ridiculousness, reach a peak of ridiculousness), ABSURDITY IS A SUBSTANCE (full of ridiculousness, pure ridiculousness).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'ridiculousness' in the sentence: 'The meeting highlighted the ridiculousness of the old policy'?