Hyperobject
Entities that are so large, both spatially and temporally, that they exceed our ability to fully comprehend them, and are often characterized by their non-local and non-linear properties, such as climate change or nuclear radiation.
EverydayConcepts.io
Origin
Coined by philosopher Timothy Morton in the 2013 book Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology after the End of the World, published by University of Minnesota Press. Morton used the term to describe entities of such vast temporal and spatial dimensions that they defeat traditional notions of objects—examples include climate change, nuclear radiation, and styrofoam. The concept synthesizes quantum theory and relativity into philosophical discourse. Morton's term was inspired by Björk's 1996 single "Hyperballad."
Updated February 22, 2026