laughing stock

NOUN

object of ridicule

Synonyms

WEAK

Aunt Sally butt dupe fair game fall guy fool goat joke laughingstock stooge target victim

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After Lai's visit to Eswatini, Beijing's foreign ministry said he had become "an international laughing stock".

From BBC • May 2, 2026

In a July 4, 2013, email to Nikolic, Epstein wrote: “Bill risks going from richest man to biggest hypocrite, melinda a laughing stock, pledges will disappear as a result.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Some believe that influencer fights attract new fans and are helping safeguard the future of the sport, while others argue they render it a laughing stock.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

In fact, he was featured in several Hollywood pictures that he wasn't interested in and felt the movies made him a laughing stock.

From Salon • Nov. 14, 2024

“Tommy,” I wanted to say to him, “you’re going to make yourself a laughing stock all over again. Imaginary animals? What’s up with you?”

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro