hyperpower
C2Formal, academic (political science, international relations), journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
An extremely dominant nation-state with overwhelming global supremacy in all key spheres (military, economic, cultural, technological).
Any entity (e.g., a corporation, a technology, an ideology) that achieves a position of unchallenged and pervasive dominance within a specific field or globally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies a qualitative step beyond a 'superpower'. It denotes not just significant influence but a unipolar moment where no credible rival exists. Often used historically or theoretically; its application to the contemporary USA is debated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term originated in French ('hyperpuissance') and was adopted into English political discourse.
Connotations
Carries a critical or analytical connotation, often questioning the sustainability or desirability of such dominance. In American discourse, it can be more politically charged.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Slightly more common in British/EU academic and media commentary on US foreign policy.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Country/Entity] emerged as a/the hyperpowerthe hyperpower of [Time Period]a hyperpower in [Domain]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hyperpower's burden (play on 'white man's burden')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The tech giant is a hyperpower in data analytics.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in political science to analyse post-Cold War international relations and theories of hegemony.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in discussions of high-level politics or history.
Technical
Specific term in geopolitical analysis and future studies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the war, one country was the strongest. It was a hyperpower.
- Some historians say the Roman Empire was a hyperpower of the ancient world.
- The concept of a hyperpower refers to a state with unrivalled influence in military, economic, and cultural affairs.
- The debate centres on whether the United States' period as a unipolar hyperpower is ending, giving way to a multipolar order.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think HYPERmarket – a market so huge it dwarfs all others. A HYPERpower is a nation so powerful it dwarfs all others.
Conceptual Metaphor
The global system as a hierarchy with a single apex predator / The world stage as a theatre with a single, overwhelming lead actor.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с простым 'сверхдержава' (superpower). 'Гипердержава' – термин для обозначения ещё более исключительного уровня мощи после холодной войны.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'very powerful' in non-political contexts (e.g., 'My new laptop is a hyperpower').
- Confusing it with 'superpower', which allows for multiple rivals.
Practice
Quiz
In geopolitical discourse, what primarily distinguishes a 'hyperpower' from a 'superpower'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an analytical term used by scholars and commentators, not a formal diplomatic classification.
Historically, the British Empire at its peak and the Roman Empire are sometimes retrospectively described as hyperpowers in their respective contexts.
In metaphorical or extended usage, yes. For example, a company like 'Standard Oil' was called a hyperpower in its industry.
A multipolar world, where power is distributed among several major states, creating a balance.