ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ridiculously

adv.
US //ɹəˈdɪkjəɫəsɫi// UK //ɹɪdˈɪkjʊləsli// ridicu·lous·ly
  1. 1 extremely (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    used to emphasize that something is much more than usual, often in a way that seems unfair or silly.

    used as an intensifier to indicate an extreme or excessive degree that borders on the absurd.

    Example

    The rent for this tiny apartment is ridiculously expensive for this neighborhood.

    Example

    The project deadline was ridiculously tight, leaving the engineering team with no choice but to work through the entire weekend.

    Usage

    Usually placed before an adjective or another adverb.
  2. 2 in a silly way (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is stupid, funny, or makes no sense.

    in a manner that invites derision, mockery, or disbelief due to its lack of logic or dignity.

    Example

    He was dressed ridiculously in a giant chicken costume for the office party.

    Example

    The witness behaved ridiculously during the cross-examination, undermining his own credibility with a series of increasingly implausible excuses.

    Usage

    Often modifies a verb to describe the manner of an action.
Origin

From ridiculous + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026