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 of absurdity

• insanity
• idiocy

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

All of this readily registers on Barry’s Dada-absurdity meter. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

What the Meme Revealed About Surgical Technology Beneath the absurdity, the grape videos demonstrated real capabilities. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

The Lighthearted Side of Innovation De Wolf seemed to be enjoying every moment of the achievement, including the absurdity of sharing a world record title with a fish. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

Shatner deftly presents Kirk's delicate handling of interstellar trader Cyrano Jones's multiplying annoyances with a gentle humor and relaxed resignation as to the absurdity of the situation aboard the Enterprise. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026

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