lächerlich

Lächerlich is a German adjective meaning “ridiculous” or “laughable.” It is used to describe something that provokes laughter or ridicule because it is obviously absurd, implausible, or lacking seriousness. In everyday usage, lächerlich expresses a negative evaluation of a claim, action, price, or behavior and is often intended to dismiss it as not credible or worthy of consideration. The term can convey mild irony or strong disapproval, depending on context.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from the root Lächer-, related to lachen (to laugh) and the noun Lächerlichkeit (ridiculousness). The suffix -lich yields an adjective meaning “having the quality of.” The related noun Lächerlichkeit denotes the characteristic of being laughable. The expression lächerlich machen means to make someone or something a laughingstock.

Usage notes: Lächerlich appears across registers from colloquial speech to formal writing, but its force is usually negative. It is used for things seen as absurd or unworthy of serious consideration, not simply for things that are funny in a positive sense. For milder humor, speakers may choose komisch or lustig, while for technical criticism they might opt for unplausibel or unseriös.

Examples: Die Begründung ist lächerlich. Der Preis ist lächerlich hoch. Seine Ausrede war lächerlich.

See also: Lächerlichkeit, lachen, related forms.