Word
absurdism
Phoneticsab·sur·dism
Definition
n. a way of thinking that says life has no real meaning or purpose. It often uses strange or silly ideas to show how people feel lost in a world that doesn't make sense.
n. a philosophical and literary movement that posits the inherent meaninglessness of human existence and the universe. It often employs irrational or illogical elements to reflect the absurdity of the human condition.
Examples
“The play uses absurdism to show the futility of human effort.”
“The author's use of absurdism challenges the reader to find meaning in a world where none seems to exist.”
“While existentialism focuses on the individual's struggle to create meaning, absurdism accepts the lack of inherent purpose and often embraces the resulting chaos as a source of creative freedom.”
Examples
simple
“The play uses absurdism to show the futility of human effort.”
contextual
“The author's use of absurdism challenges the reader to find meaning in a world where none seems to exist.”
complex
“While existentialism focuses on the individual's struggle to create meaning, absurdism accepts the lack of inherent purpose and often embraces the resulting chaos as a source of creative freedom.”
Etymology
From absurd + -ism (“doctrine, theory”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/absurdism