# absurdist

/əbˈsɝdɪst/ (US) · /ɐbsˈɜːdɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absurdist
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who believes that life has no real meaning or purpose. They often use strange or funny ideas to show how silly the world can be.

For teachers: a person who adheres to the philosophy of absurdism, which posits that human beings seek inherent meaning in life while the universe is silent or indifferent. Often used to describe writers or artists who employ irrational or nonsensical elements in their work.

## Examples

- The absurdist wrote plays that made no sense.
- The absurdist spent his life trying to find meaning in a world that offered none.
- By embracing the inherent contradictions of existence, the absurdist sought to create art that reflected the chaotic and indifferent nature of the universe.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.