Main Entry: pes·si·mism

Pronunciation: \ˈpes-ə-ˌmiz-əm also ˈpez-\

Function: noun

: an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome

—pes·si·mis·tic \ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik also ˌpez-\ adjective