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grimdark

American  
[grim-dahrk] / ˈgrɪmˌdɑrk /

noun

  1. dystopian fantasy fiction characterized by harsh settings, extreme violence, and a bleak, fatalistic perspective on the future of humanity.


Etymology

Origin of grimdark

First recorded in 2005–10; grim ( def. ) + dark ( def. ); coined from the tagline of the strategy game Warhammer 40,000, “In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Red Hook Studios has just the antidote: Darkest Dungeon II, the sequel to the hopelessly grimdark role-playing adventure that tormented us all in 2016.

From Seattle Times May 10, 2023

Kuang's follow-up to her sprawling grimdark fantasy "Poppy War" trilogy leaves the martial behind for a different type of battle in dark academia.

From Salon Dec. 15, 2022

And yet his grimdark intro conceals a deeper emotional core arguing that no one can really survive alone.

From The Verge Oct. 7, 2019

And I'm disappointed that Magneto, even in going all momentarily grimdark again, would stoop to being someone else's lackey.

From The Verge May 31, 2016

Even in a grimdark fantasy world, slivers of hope must shine forth or we’ll all drown in the misery porn.

From Forbes Jun. 14, 2015

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