: having or showing a lack of hope for the future : expecting bad things to happen
I'm pessimistic about our chances of winning. [=I don't think we'll win]
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.
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“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pessimistic. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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