adjective
dystopian
dis-TOH-pee-un
Dystopian (adjective) means relating to or resembling a dystopia — an imagined society made deliberately grim through oppression, surveillance or collapse. Example: “A dystopian novel about a surveillance state.”
adjective
1
Relating to or resembling a dystopia — an imagined society made deliberately grim through oppression, surveillance or collapse.
"A dystopian novel about a surveillance state."
"Empty streets and drones gave the whole thing a dystopian feel."
How to Use Dystopian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLike a grim, controlled, broken-down future society.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dystopian novel
dystopian future
dystopian fiction
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Etymology
The adjective of dystopia, from Greek "dys-" (bad) plus "topos" (place).
Antonyms
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Rhymes for dystopian
See all rhymes for dystopian →Frequently Asked Questions
What does dystopian mean?
Describing a society, setting or atmosphere that is oppressive, controlled or ruined — the adjective form of dystopia.
What is the difference between dystopian and dystopia?
"Dystopia" is the noun, the place itself. "Dystopian" is the adjective: a dystopian future, a dystopian novel.