pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
 also  ˌpe-zə-
: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
 also  ˌpe-zə-
adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our Keith Law was one of the more pessimistic graders on De Vries in the most recent batch of prospect rankings — and Keith put him at No. 13 in the sport. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Meanwhile, broader public sentiment about the country's direction has also become more pessimistic. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 Sagan sketched out an optimistic take of millions of civilizations in the Milky Way—and a pessimistic yet still thrilling guess of 10. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Finally, Wolf and his colleagues examined a more pessimistic case, in which trade talks with China, the E.U., and other countries collapse, and the effective tariff rate rises to twenty-five per cent. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessimistic was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimistic. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective
pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically adverb

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