ironic
adj.adj. describing a situation that is strange or funny because the result is the opposite of what you expected. It can also describe saying something you do not mean to be funny or to make a point.
adj. characterised by an incongruity between expectations and reality, or by the use of language that signifies the opposite of the literal meaning for humorous or emphatic effect.
It is ironic that the fire station burned down.
It was deeply ironic that the software developer's own computer was infected by the virus he had spent months trying to prevent.
The novelist employs an ironic tone throughout the chapter, subtly mocking the protagonist's self-importance while appearing to praise his minor achievements.
Borrowed from Late Latin īrōnicus, from Ancient Greek εἰρωνικός (eirōnikós). Compare Middle French, ironique, equivalent to irony + -ic.
Commonly used to describe situations (situational irony) or speech (verbal irony).
It is ironic that it rained on my wedding day.It is unfortunate that it rained on my wedding day.Learners often use 'ironic' to mean 'unlucky' or 'coincidental'; it actually requires a reversal of expectations or a specific contradiction.