A wry or forced smile; a strained laugh used to hide embarrassment, awkwardness, or discomfort rather than genuine amusement.
上司の冗談に誰も笑えず、彼だけが苦笑いをした。
No one could laugh at the boss's joke; only he gave a wry smile.
そんなことを言われて私は苦笑いするしかなかった。
Hearing that, I could only give a forced smile.
会議中、彼の提案に対して参加者は苦笑いを浮かべた。
During the meeting, participants showed wry smiles at his proposal.