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

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

I was reading the genre that I consider to be grimdark — people debate me on some of those titles.

From The Verge • Jan. 31, 2019

Warner Inc’s battle to convince moviegoers that the hero vs. hero sequel isn’t going to be all grimdark and fire-and-brimstone.

From Forbes • Jul. 2, 2015

In 2015, we’re conditioned to expect that each of our beloved cultural touchstones will eventually get its own grimdark retelling.

From The Verge • Jun. 15, 2015