OpenSynonym

dark age

/dɑːrk eɪdʒ/

NOUN

1. A period of decline or reduced progress

A period characterized by the decline or deterioration of civilization, intellectual activity, culture, or social development.

1.1. Period of cultural or intellectual decline

A historical period associated with declining intellectual activity, limited historical records, or reduced cultural and social development.

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Examples

  • The fall of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of the dark age in Europe.
  • Historians often refer to the period following the collapse of civilizations as the dark age.
  • The lack of historical records during the dark age makes it difficult to fully understand that era.
  • Scholars debate the extent of intellectual decline during the dark age.
  • Despite the challenges of the dark age, new forms of art and culture emerged.

Related Words

  • historical period
  • civilization
  • intellectual decline
  • cultural development
  • historical records

1.2. Period of deterioration and social decline

A time marked by the weakening, collapse, or deterioration of established institutions, systems, or living conditions.

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Examples

  • The region entered a dark age after the collapse of its political institutions.
  • The dark age brought widespread decline and uncertainty to the affected communities.

Related Words