Crossword Genius

In Latin, one expression of repugnance competent? Ridiculous! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

laughable

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ridiculous' is the definition.
(I know that ridiculous can be written as laughable)

'in latin one expression of repugnance competent?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'latin' could be 'l' and 'l' is found in the answer.
'one' could be 'a' (a thing is one thing) and 'a' is located in the answer.
'expression' could be 'ugh' (I have seen 'Expression of disgust' mean 'ugh' so perhaps 'expression' could also mean 'ugh') and 'ugh' is present in the answer.
'competent?' could be 'able' (similar in meaning) and 'able' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for laughable that I've seen before include "Ridiculous, derisory" , "Incongruous, inviting ridicule" , "Ridiculous - make you chortle" , "Risible, ridiculous" , "comic" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.