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

During the quarter, consumers got more pessimistic about the economy because of the government shutdown. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025

In an October survey of chief executives conducted by Fortune and Deloitte, out yesterday, 32% of respondents described themselves as pessimistic about the economy over the next year, down from 58% in April. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

But Variety understands morale is so low that even staff on other BBC flagship news programs such as Newsnight are pessimistic about their future in the wake of the fallout. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025

In July, Venezuelan security forces briefly detained several economists, including former finance minister Rodrigo Cabezas, for sharing pessimistic views. —Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 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