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

Pope Francis Reflects on Illness, Calls War 'Absurd' as Recovery Progresses Pope Francis said in a letter published Tuesday that his lengthy illness has given him greater clarity on the absurdity of war, renewing his call for diplomacy and stronger international institutions. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

Her work is often the same, crackling with energy, honesty, and a sprinkle of absurdity. —Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025

The collection reveals how his seemingly simple line evolved into a profound artistic language capable of expressing both the gravity and the absurdity of peacetime and war. —Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

Although the characters face terror and repression, the grand absurdity of the regime is exposed by intelligence and wit. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2025

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