brutalism

American  

[broot-l-iz-uhm] / ˈbrut lˌɪz əm /

noun

1. Architecture. a style of modernist architecture, originating in the 1950s, characterized by exposed structural materials and plain, massive, often steeply angular geometric forms, typically of unfinished concrete.

2. a style in art, furniture, jewelry, etc., influenced by this architecture and often characterized by outsized elements or the use of unfinished or roughly textured materials.

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brutalism British  

/ ˈbruːtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: new brutalism.  an austere style of architecture characterized by emphasis on such structural materials as undressed concrete and unconcealed service pipes

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Other Word Forms

• brutalist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of brutalism

First recorded in 1795–1805, for literal sense; brutal + -ism; in reference to architecture first used by British architects Alison Smithson (1928–93) and Peter Smithson (1923–2003) in 1953

Example Sentences

The Banana Flats were given category A-listed status by Historic Environment Scotland as a leading example of Scottish brutalism in 2017.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

In late February, Lewis met up for martinis at the Westin Bonaventure’s revolving rooftop bar in downtown L.A.. famous for 360-degree views and swanky concrete brutalism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2024

There was a lot of theoretical architecture going around, mostly originated, I think, from the East Coast — postmodernism, brutalism, all of these ‘-isms.’

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

Like Half-Life 2, it’s about a post-apocalyptic world that combines decaying brutalism with serene natural landscapes and lots of alien weirdness.

From The Verge • Dec. 16, 2020

If you want to win her, you must show bravery; and you will not risk losing her affections if your bravery degenerate into brutalism!

From The Yellow Chief by Reid, Mayne