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

• 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

This has left observers decidedly pessimistic about their chances of reaching a deal. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025

Problems ahead for America However, Dalio was equally pessimistic about the United States. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

The Magellan poll found that 54% of voters anticipate the economy will decline in the next 12 months (with more Democrats expressing this fear than Republicans), a pessimistic view that requires our politicians to articulate a plan for the worst-case scenario. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025

However the panel was pessimistic about the time frame for change, considering the EU’s bureaucratic structure. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pessimistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic
• eucharistic

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