# ironic

/aɪˈɹɑnɪk/ (US) · /aɪɹˈɒnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ironic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. unexpectedly contrary

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a situation that is funny or strange because the result is the exact opposite of what was intended.

For teachers: characterised by situational irony, where the outcome of an event is incongruous with what was expected or intended.

- It is ironic that the famous computer expert couldn't fix his own laptop.
- There is something deeply ironic about a billionaire philanthropist who made his fortune by exploiting the very communities he now seeks to save.

### 2. sarcastic or mocking

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

using words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, usually to be funny or unkind.

For teachers: relating to verbal irony; expressing meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

- He gave an ironic smile when I told him I was finally on time.
- The critic's ironic tone suggested that he found the play's supposed 'deep meaning' to be nothing more than pretentious nonsense.

### 3. unserious or detached

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

doing something in a way that shows you are not being serious or that you are making fun of it.

For teachers: characterised by a detached, teasing, or unserious attitude toward a subject or activity.

- She wears that old-fashioned hat in an ironic way to look cool.
- The band's ironic performance of the cheesy pop song was a hit with the younger audience who understood the joke.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.