ironic
ironic Lexical Profile
ironic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this.
"It is ironic that the cybersecurity expert had his own personal email account compromised."
Using or characterized by irony; expressing one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
"The critic delivered an ironic compliment about the director's latest commercial failure."
Word Nuance & Usage
In strict usage, "ironic" describes an outcome that is the direct opposite of what was expected or intended, and should be distinguished from "coincidental" (a surprising chance occurrence without an inherent contradiction).
• Rhymes for ironic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century via French ironique or Late Latin ironicus, from Ancient Greek eirōnikos ('dissembling, putting on a feigned ignorance'), derived from eirōneia ('simulated ignorance').