Words / B2

uhb-SURD/əbˈsɜːd/

Absurd means completely unreasonable in a serious situation: an absurd claim; it is absurd to + verb. Ridiculous is a close twin, slightly more informal. Logical is an opposite tone. Do not use absurd for a mildly odd timetable. Marking a paper against an unpublished rubric is a typical exam-board absurdity in commentary.

Meaning

Completely unreasonable or ridiculous in a serious situation.

Examples

• “It is absurd to mark the paper if the rubric was unpublished.”
• “The delay, after three promises of a date, looked absurd to parents.”

Good to know

it is absurd to + verb; an absurd claim / situation. Close: ridiculous. Opposite tone: reasonable / logical. Not a small inconvenience. Formal complaint register.

Near in meaning

ridiculous

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