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
The economy’s resilience has led some forecasters to revise or retract their pessimistic predictions.
—
Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2023
Doom Loops Among those more pessimistic about the risks of AI, the Altman drama prompted mixed reactions.
—Peter Guest, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023
The pessimistic in-person numbers validate existing anxieties among arts leaders.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2023
Americans also feel pessimistic that anything will change.
—Monica Potts, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2023
After weathering a couple of volatile years, many Americans are still feeling financially anxious and pessimistic about the economy, even if the cost of living has ebbed some.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2023
But while economic growth surged over the summer and hiring shot up in September, surveys show the public remains pessimistic about the current economic direction, which is likely due to ongoing pains of inflation or other factors.
—Catherine Lucey, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023
Economists who once charted China’s rise are now flatly pessimistic.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023
But that same month, Huntington debuted a far more pessimistic thesis about a clash of civilizations in a lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, the conservative think tank.
—Jordan Michael Smith, The New Republic, 19 Oct. 2023
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Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2023
Doom Loops Among those more pessimistic about the risks of AI, the Altman drama prompted mixed reactions.
—Peter Guest, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023
The pessimistic in-person numbers validate existing anxieties among arts leaders.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2023
Americans also feel pessimistic that anything will change.
—Monica Potts, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2023
After weathering a couple of volatile years, many Americans are still feeling financially anxious and pessimistic about the economy, even if the cost of living has ebbed some.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2023
But while economic growth surged over the summer and hiring shot up in September, surveys show the public remains pessimistic about the current economic direction, which is likely due to ongoing pains of inflation or other factors.
—Catherine Lucey, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023
Economists who once charted China’s rise are now flatly pessimistic.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2023
But that same month, Huntington debuted a far more pessimistic thesis about a clash of civilizations in a lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, the conservative think tank.
—Jordan Michael Smith, The New Republic, 19 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pessimistic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1865, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pessimistic
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimistic. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
pessimistic
adjective
pes·si·mis·tic
ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik 
: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy
More from Merriam-Webster on pessimistic
Nglish: Translation of pessimistic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of pessimistic for Arabic Speakers
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