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

That finding is included in a new survey from Edward Jones and Gallup, which found that Canadians are similarly pessimistic about their finances (only one in eight report being satisfied). —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 2 June 2026

In a more pessimistic scenario, in which temperatures rise nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius), even warmer than the other scenario, larger hail jumps by 47%. —Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

The CEOs’ perspectives on their own industries were also more pessimistic this quarter. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 1 June 2026

The share of employers with a pessimistic view of the job market for new grads has been rising every year since 2022. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 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