# ridicule

/ˈɹɪdəkˌjuɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɪdɪkjˌuːl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ridicule
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

unkind comments or laughter that make someone or something look stupid. You use this when people are making fun of someone in a mean way.

For teachers: the act of subjecting someone or something to mockery or derision. Often used to describe social pressure or the public dismissal of an idea.

## Examples

- He faced constant ridicule from his classmates for his unusual hobby.
- The scientist's early theories were met with ridicule by the academic community before they were eventually proven correct.
- The politician's proposal was dismissed with such sharp ridicule that few of his colleagues dared to support it during the subsequent debate.

## Usage notes

- Often follows verbs like 'face', 'endure', or 'suffer'; frequently paired with the preposition 'from'.

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