Class: noun | Syllables: TRAV-uh-stee

Definition: Travesty refers to something that is shocking, upsetting, or ridiculous because it is not what it is supposed to be, but is instead a distorted or badly inferior imitation of it. The word is often used in the phrase “a travesty of.” Travesty is not a synonym of tragedy, which refers instead to a disastrous event.

Example(s):
// That the timber company only had to pay a minimal fine after being found guilty of illegal logging was considered by many to be a travesty of justice.