THE ABSURD

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does the absurd mean? 

• THE ABSURD (noun)
  The noun THE ABSURD has 1 sense:

1. a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless

  Familiarity information: THE ABSURD used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THE ABSURD (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

absurd; the absurd

Context example:

The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth

Hypernyms ("the absurd" is a kind of...):

situation; state of affairs (the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time)

 Context examples 

It is almost incredible, but the absurd sum of twelve hundred pounds would have settled the whole question.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"I can't. I'm not playing, I never do," said Frank, dismayed at the sentimental predicament out of which he was to rescue the absurd couple.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I looked with amazement at the absurd hieroglyphics upon the paper.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)