Word
sarcasm
Phoneticssar·casm
US/ˈsɑɹˌkæzəm/
UK/sˈɑːkæzəm/
Definitions
01mocking irony
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, usually to insult someone or show you are annoyed.
n. the use of verbal irony to mock or convey contempt; typically uncountable when referring to the concept or style of speech.
“"Oh, great," he said with heavy sarcasm when he saw the pouring rain.”
“The professor's lecture was laced with subtle sarcasm, directed primarily at the students who had clearly failed to complete the required reading.”
Pitfall
He said with a lot of sarcasms.
He said with a lot of sarcasm.
When referring to the general style of speaking, 'sarcasm' is uncountable and does not take an 's'.
02a sarcastic remark
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a specific comment or remark that uses sarcasm.
n. a specific instance or act of using acerbic language to mock; countable in this sense.
“She ignored his little sarcasms and continued explaining her plan.”
“The diplomat managed to maintain his composure despite the series of petty sarcasms leveled at him by the opposition leader during the debate.”
Antonyms
Etymology
From Late Latin sarcasmus, from Ancient Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmós, “a sneer”), from σαρκάζω (sarkázō, “I gnash the teeth (in anger)”, literally “I strip off the flesh”), from σάρξ (sárx, “flesh”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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