pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik 

also ˌpe-zə-

: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy

pessimistically

ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

also ˌpe-zə-

adverb

Synonyms of pessimistic

• hopeless
• cynical
• negative

Choose the Right Synonym for pessimistic

cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful.

cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

Examples of pessimistic in a Sentence

Most doctors were pessimistic that a cure could be found.

The film gives a very pessimistic view of human nature.

He has an extremely negative and pessimistic attitude.

Recent Examples on the Web

One owner of an EFL club, who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, was more pessimistic. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Yet these concepts often seem lost on the many economists who think many Americans are overly pessimistic. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026

And not be pessimistic either, but the Blaugrana are just one injury to Pau Cubarsi away from having Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia as their main center backs. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

In petitions, legal action and IG posts, the Hollywood guilds and a legion of A-listers are pessimistic Ellison will keep his expansive theatrical promises if and when the deal finally closes. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pessimistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• atomistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic

Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik 

: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy

pessimistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb