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

There are plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about electric vehicle adoption here in the US. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025

But Reason Foundation’s Feigenbaum is more pessimistic. —Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The spat has driven out some Canadians living in the US and wrecked the economies of US-Canada border towns, and Canadians are more pessimistic about the economy than ever. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2025

In Renata’s case, the man had a reputation for being pessimistic, even among his own peers. —Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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