absurdity

noun

ab·​sur·​di·​ty əb-ˈsər-də-tē  -ˈzər- 

plural absurdities

1

: the quality or state of being absurd : absurdness

They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.

2

: something that is absurd

the absurdities of life

Synonyms

• asininity
• bêtise
• fatuity
• folly
• foolery
• foppery
• idiocy
• imbecility
• inanity
• insanity
• lunacy
• stupidity

Examples of absurdity in a Sentence

to say men can't cook as well as women is of course an absurdity

the absurdity of expecting a 98-year-old woman to adequately supervise four six-year-olds

Recent Examples on the Web

Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

Brought to life through campy, surrealist sets and unforgettable cameos, the show takes the viewer through a series of dreamlike vignettes that brilliantly articulate the absurdity and tedium of life under late-capitalism. —Samantha Allen, Them, 20 Nov. 2024

When the Pope Dies, the Cardinals Get Catty In Conclave, Vatican City isn’t immune to election-season absurdity. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024

An absurdity, really—his third time trying to cross the border and his third time nearly dying to achieve it. —Kayla Aletha Welch, Longreads, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absurditee "dissonance, unjust practice," borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French absurdité, borrowed from Late Latin absurditāt-, absurditās, from Latin absurdus absurd entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2