Definition

A fictional place or society where life is very bad, often due to oppression, suffering, or fear.

Example

In the novel, the characters live in a dystopia where freedom is restricted and fear is common.

Conversation

Have you read any books that explore a dystopia?

Yeah, I just finished one that was really intense.

What was it about the dystopia that made it so gripping?

It painted a chilling picture of life under constant surveillance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dystopia is formed from "dys-" (meaning bad or difficult) and "topos" (meaning place). The word describes a place characterized by suffering, oppression, or extreme undesirable conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dys-' meaning bad and 'topos' meaning place — this helps you remember that a dystopia is a bad place.

Visually Confused Words