future shock

noun

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

Examples of future shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What explains this seeming disconnect between current performance and fears over a future shock? — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 14 Mar. 2026 How do those changes affect what Americans pay for energy now, and how easily the country can adapt to future shocks in oil supply? — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026 The April personal consumption expenditures price index reported this week showed a drop in Americans' savings rate, which could mean less of a buffer to absorb future shocks. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 29 May 2026 Beijing is also continuing its push to insulate itself from future shocks – including in its upcoming five-year plan, which aims to deepen a top-down drive for tech and industrial self-sufficiency. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for future shock

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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