Word
ironic
Meanings
Showing an unexpected contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
Said in a way that means the opposite of the literal words, often to highlight humor or criticism.
Definition
Describing a situation or remark where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected or intended.
Something is ironic when there is a surprising contrast between what you expect and what actually happens. It can describe events, situations, or comments where the real meaning differs from the apparent meaning. In everyday use, it often points to an unexpected twist that seems almost absurd or amusing.
Examples
- It’s ironic that he wrote a guide to time management and still arrived late to every meeting.
- She gave an ironic smile when the ‘easy’ task turned out to be the most complicated part of the project.
- They found it ironic that the power went out just as they started the online presentation.
- I made an ironic comment about the quiet office right as the fire alarm began to blare.
Common mistake
Learners often use ironic when they really mean coincidental or unfortunate, but irony involves a meaningful contrast between expectation and reality.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.