Be no laughing matter Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight Use to express concern or empathy towards serious situations. After the hurricane, finding shelter for everyone is no laughing matter. Pro Tip 2/3No Humor Highlighting that humor is inappropriate when discussing the subject. When she spoke about her illness, I realized it was no laughing matter. Pro Tip 3/3Issue Severity Indicates the issue should be taken very seriously. The company's bankruptcy is no laughing matter to the employees.