What does laughable mean?
Laughable is an adjective describing something so absurd, ineffective, or foolish that it invites laughter or contempt. The word is especially common when people criticize an unsuccessful attempt, a poor explanation, or an inadequate performance, as in “a laughable excuse” or “their laughable defence.” It can sound playful when used among friends, but it may be more cutting in formal criticism because it suggests that the subject deserves ridicule rather than serious consideration. Although laughable often implies amusement, it can also be a strong way of saying that something is wholly unconvincing. The related adverb laughably is less common but follows the same distinction, while the noun laughability describes the quality of being ridiculous or worthy of laughter.
adjectiveCausing or likely to cause laughter, especially because of something absurd, foolish, or ineffective. It can also describe something so implausible that it appears ridiculous.
- So absurd or foolish that it provokes laughter or ridicule.
- Describing an ineffective, inadequate, or contemptible attempt or result.
"Their attempt to repair the broken window with tape was laughable."
"The cartoon offered a laughable explanation for a problem that had a perfectly ordinary cause."
"She dismissed the team's defense of the decision as laughable."
Calling something laughable can be a playful insult, but it often means that its failure is so obvious that nobody can take it seriously.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laughable come from?
Laughable was formed in the 17th century from the verb laugh and the suffix -able, meaning “capable of causing” or “liable to.” The word shares its root with laughter and related forms such as laughless. Its development reflects the long-standing English use of laughter to express both amusement and ridicule, especially toward conduct perceived as foolish or inadequate.
Related word forms
How laughable is actually used
Laughable is often slightly more formal than comic or ridiculous. Its tone can range from amused and good-humoured to sharply derisive, depending on context and intonation.