# laughable

/ˈɫæfəbəɫ/ (US) · /lˈɑːfəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laughable
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

so silly or bad that it is impossible to take seriously. You use this to describe something that deserves to be laughed at because it is ridiculous.

For teachers: deserving of ridicule or derision; so absurd as to be unworthy of serious consideration.

## Examples

- The suggestion that I would cheat is laughable.
- The company's offer of a one percent pay rise was laughable given the high rate of inflation.
- The defendant's claim that he had never seen the weapon before was laughable in light of the overwhelming forensic evidence presented by the prosecution.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

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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.