absurdity

noun

ab·​sur·​di·​ty əb-ˈsər-də-tē  -ˈzər- 

plural absurdities

1

: the quality or state of being absurd : absurdness

They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.

2

: something that is absurd

the absurdities of life

Synonyms of absurdity

• insanity
• idiocy

Examples of absurdity in a Sentence

to say men can't cook as well as women is of course an absurdity

the absurdity of expecting a 98-year-old woman to adequately supervise four six-year-olds

Recent Examples on the Web

Even amid so many absurdities, one of the strangest things that happens this week is Rainbeau suddenly developing an English accent. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026

For all the absurdity, though, the award carries considerable weight — even if the timing is bittersweet. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026

That obsession reached its peak of exuberant absurdity on a Friday in late July of 1995. — Adam Sztykiel, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

There’s also great comedy to be found in the absurdity of modern life, as evidenced in Parmesan, Berlant’s second comedy special, fresh off its HBO debut. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absurditee "dissonance, unjust practice," borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French absurdité, borrowed from Late Latin absurditāt-, absurditās, from Latin absurdus absurd entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2