Something, such as a
job,
purpose, or environment, in a (possibly consistent)
situation showing the opposite of its intended function.
EXAMPLE:
A
SUV with a bumper sticker that says keep
earth green. (Example not created by me.)
This shows irony because SUVs tend to use up a lot of gas, therefore poluting the
earth; it is, in essence, the opposite of what the sign said, advising others to keep the
earth unpoluted.
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"The zookeepers were trapped in the huge gymroom."
The irony is based on the fact zookeepers are the workers of a business thats purpose is to keep animals caged. Now, the people who cause this upon others are now in the same state themselves. This is a more subtle form of irony.