B2adjective1K

Ridiculous

UK /["/rɪˈdɪkjələs/","/rɪˈdɪk/"]/US /["/rɪˈdɪkjələs/","/rɪˈdɪk/"]/

Definition

very silly or unreasonable

In simple words: Very silly or unreasonable; hard to believe.

Examples

  • I look ridiculous in this hat.
  • Don't be ridiculous! You can't pay £50 for a T-shirt!
  • It was ridiculous that this should be so difficult to say.
  • They ate and drank a ridiculous amount.
  • The whole idea was patently ridiculous.
  • The whole situation appealed to her sense of the ridiculous.
  • This is getting ridiculous!
  • Don't be so ridiculous!
  • It's ridiculous to suggest that she was involved in anything illegal.
  • That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

Usage notes

Use 'ridiculous' to express disbelief or to criticize something as absurd. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but avoid it in very serious contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'ridic-you-lous' – imagine someone being so silly they make you laugh!

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • really
  • absolutely
  • completely
  • a sense of the ridiculous

Synonyms

  • absurd, ludicrous

Antonyms

  • reasonable
  • sensible
  • logical

Common mistakes

  • 'Ridiculous' is often confused with 'ridicule' which means to mock or make fun of.
  • Some learners use 'ridiculous' to describe something that is merely unusual, rather than absurd.
  • Confusing 'ridiculous' with 'absurd' – while they are similar, 'absurd' may imply a deeper philosophical meaning.