What does utopia mean?
Utopia names an ideal society, place, or condition that is imagined as perfect in its social, political, or moral arrangements. In its most common use, it describes a vision of a world without injustice, conflict, poverty, or other serious social problems. Because perfect conditions are rarely attainable, the word also suggests something idealistic, impractical, or imaginary. "Utopia" can therefore be used approvingly for inspiring visions, but more often it appears in critical contexts to emphasize the distance between an attractive ideal and present reality. The related adjective "utopian" is common in expressions such as "utopian vision" and "utopian ideal," while "dystopia" denotes the opposite concept: a nightmarish society. Utopia was introduced by Thomas More in 1516, and its name combines Greek elements meaning "not" and "place."
nounAn ideal or imagined society characterized by perfect social conditions, equality, harmony, and prosperity. By extension, the term can refer to any unrealistically ideal place, state, or condition.
- An ideal or imagined society characterized by perfect or highly desirable conditions.
- An ideal place, condition, or way of life that is unlikely or impossible to achieve.
"The architect's vision of the new city was less a practical plan than a utopia."
"Many social reform movements have been inspired by the idea of utopia."
"The plan sounded appealing, but turning such a utopia into reality would require enormous changes."
Usually countable when referring to particular imagined societies or idealized worlds.
"The novel explores several utopias and the political choices required to create them."
Utopia literally means "no place": Thomas More named his ideal world by combining Greek roots for "not" and "place."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does utopia come from?
The word was coined by Thomas More in his 1516 book Utopia, the title of which means "the place that does not exist." It combines the Greek prefix ou- meaning "not" with topos meaning "place." The related term eutopia, formed with eu- meaning "good," refers to an ideal or exceptionally desirable place and reflects the same Greek roots.
Related word forms
How utopia is actually used
The word is neutral when referring to an imagined ideal, but it often carries a skeptical implication, especially when describing a proposal as unrealistic or impossible to achieve. "Utopian" is the usual adjective, as in "utopian ideal."
Easily confused with utopia
Utopia is an ideally perfect society, whereas dystopia is an oppressive or catastrophic society portrayed as undesirable or terrible.