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

The electorate is frustrated and unhappy Voters were sour heading into Tuesday, with the midterm electorate deeply unhappy with the country’s direction and pessimistic about the future, according to The AP Voter Poll. — Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

This electorate was a pessimistic one — unhappy about the state of the country and the economy and not very hopeful for the next generation. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Consumers have reported feeling increasingly pessimistic about the state of the economy over the last year. — Justin Papp,caleigh Keating,garrett Downs,kevin Breuninger,dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

America’s housing market is paralyzed, with buyers pulling back and builders growing more pessimistic ahead of the midterms. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 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