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

More than 60% of the class of 2026 are pessimistic about their career prospects, according to a recent report from Handshake. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 May 2026

On Polymarket, traders have a slightly more pessimistic outlook. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 May 2026

As Insider notes, this isn’t the first time that Garman has hit back against some of the more pessimistic predictions about AI job takeovers. —Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026

The pessimistic case starts from the premise that software development is different from the rest of white-collar work. —Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 May 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