# farcical

/ˈfɑɹsəkəɫ/ (US) · /fˈɑːsɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/farcical
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

very silly and unreasonable, like a joke that no one can take seriously.

For teachers: resembling a farce; absurdly ludicrous and unworthy of serious consideration. Often describes situations, trials, or attempts that fail through incompetence or absurdity.

## Examples

- The meeting becomes farcical when no one follows the rules.
- The trial turns farcical when the main witness forgets his own name on the stand.
- After three recounts, lost ballots, and contradictory announcements, the election process looks farcical to outside observers.

## Synonyms

absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, laughable, silly, nonsensical, foolish

## Antonyms

serious, sensible, reasonable

## Usage notes

- Often used before nouns like 'situation' or after linking verbs like 'become' and 'seem'.

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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.