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

• bearish
• defeatist
• despairing
• downbeat
• hopeless

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

Fresh consumer confidence data on Tuesday indicated that Americans are feeling pessimistic about the US economy and future of the job market. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024

The options pits have been surprisingly pessimistic, and an unwinding of these bearish bets could soon occur. —Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

People still are more pessimistic than optimistic on the economy, even if that’s improved some lately, and polls, including the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll out Tuesday, have shown people trust Trump to handle the economy, immigration and the war in the Middle East more than Harris. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2024

Yet its citizens are as pessimistic as any in the West. —Ruchir Sharma, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

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