Dickensian

/ dɪˈkɛnzɪən /

adjective

1. of Charles Dickens or his works

2. 1. squalid and poverty-stricken

      working conditions were truly Dickensian

   2. characterized by jollity and conviviality

      a Dickensian scene round the Christmas tree

3. grotesquely comic, as some of the characters of Dickens

Example Sentences

But a society’s values are, in large part, reflected by how it treats its most vulnerable members — and America in the 21st century is growing increasingly Dickensian.

From Salon

Later, at the freezing cold abode of one of the leaders of the strike, the impoverished scene takes on unmistakable Dickensian notes.

From Los Angeles Times

Some children are living in "Dickensian" levels of poverty, England's children's commissioner has said.

From BBC

Yes, Dickinson has gone 21st-century Dickensian; Mike pesters people for ketamine, vodka and spare change like Oliver Twist begged for porridge.

From Los Angeles Times

In Dickensian fashion, Pitkin is told to “go out into the world and find your way for America takes care of the honest and the industrious.”

From Salon