future shock

noun

: the physical and psychological distress suffered by one who is unable to cope with the rapidity of social and technological changes

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of future shock was in 1965

Rhymes for future shock

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Browse Nearby Words

future service benefit
future shock
future tense
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Cite this Entry

“Future shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/future%20shock. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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