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

"Let's be honest, the enormous mass of 1960s brutalism was devastating for parts of Britain," said the TV presenter.

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

Its mid-century brutalism has a certain dour charm, but it sits elevated on columns straddling 10th Street.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2022

High and long sustained, the sublime anthem rolled above the battle and its brutalism.

From The Prince of India — Volume 02 by Wallace, Lewis