dystopian future

/dɪsˈtoʊpiən ˈfjuːtʃər/

Meaning

A dystopian future describes an imagined society in the future characterized by great suffering, injustice, totalitarian government control, or environmental disaster. It is the opposite of a utopia. Writers and filmmakers use this setting to critique current political and social trends.

Examples

  • The novel is set in a dystopian future where books are banned and burned by the state.

    The novel is set in a dystopian future where books are banned and burned by the state.

  • Many young adult sci-fi movies depict a dystopian future ruled by a ruthless dictator.

    Many young adult sci-fi movies depict a dystopian future ruled by a ruthless dictator.

  • I am tired of movies showing a dystopian future; I want to see something more optimistic.

    I am tired of movies showing a dystopian future; I want to see something more optimistic.

  • Blade Runner presents a visually stunning but bleak dystopian future dominated by corporations.

    Blade Runner presents a visually stunning but bleak dystopian future dominated by corporations.

  • The video game explores a dystopian future where humanity lives entirely underground.

    The video game explores a dystopian future where humanity lives entirely underground.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ The movie shows a very dystopia future.

    ✓ The movie shows a very dystopian future.

    'Dystopia' is a noun. You must use the adjective form 'dystopian' to modify the noun 'future.'

  • ✗ They live in a bad future where everyone is sad.

    ✓ They live in a dystopian future where everyone is sad.

    While 'bad future' is grammatically correct, 'dystopian future' is the precise, advanced term for a highly controlled, oppressive future society.

Related Expressions

totalitarian regimeorwellian societypostapocalyptic world

Practice

  • The Hunger Games is famous for its depiction of a ___ divided into districts.

    💡 An oppressive, terrible future society.

    Show answer

    dystopian future

  • Are we heading toward a ___ where AI controls every aspect of our lives?

    💡 The opposite of a utopian future.

    Show answer

    dystopian future