Derisory (Adjective)
Meaning
So unreasonable as to invite derision; "the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework"; "that's a cockeyed idea"; "ask a nonsensical question and get a nonsensical answer"; "a contribution so small as to be laughable"; "it is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion"; "a preposterous attempt to turn back the pages of history"; "her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The offer of a 1% pay rise was derisory and was met with widespread criticism from the union.
- The government's response to the crisis was derisory, and many felt that they were not taking the situation seriously enough.
- The fine imposed on the company for their environmental damage was derisory compared to the profits they had made.
- The derisory amount of funding allocated to the arts program was a clear indication of the government's lack of commitment to the sector.
- The opposition party's proposal to reduce taxes by a derisory 0.1% was seen as a token gesture and failed to impress voters.