Dystopia

usgb/dɪsˈtəʊpiə/
noun

An imagined place or state where everything is unpleasant or bad, often in society, government, or the environment.

In her novel, the city had become a dystopia where technology had taken over human life.
Visual representation of "dystopia" - An imagined place or state where everything is unpleasant or bad, often in society, government, or the environment.

Often appears as...

  • dystopian society
  • dystopian future

Usage tips

General, Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "dystopia"
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Negative Connotation

Dystopia carries a negative meaning, describing a place where things are very bad.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Books about dystopias show societies we hope to never experience.
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Imaginary Worlds

Dystopias are fictional, designed to reflect and critique real societal issues.

Illustration for Imaginary Worlds
A dystopia often reveals the dark side of human inventions.
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Not Always Futuristic

While often set in the future, dystopias can depict any time period.

Illustration for Not Always Futuristic
The dystopia in this story mirrors the Middle Ages' oppressive systems.
Visual representation of the word "Dystopia"

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