Synonyms of pessimism

pessimism

noun

as in desperation

a feeling or belief that bad things will happen in the future; a feeling or belief that what you hope for will not happen

She has expressed pessimism over the outcome of the trial.

Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains.

He expressed his pessimism about politics and politicians.

Related Words

• desperation
• sadness
• despair
• sorrow
• gloom
• depression
• cynicism
• melancholy
• hopelessness
• unhappiness
• sorrowfulness
• gloominess
• dejection
• oppression
• despondency
• joylessness
• despondence
• dreariness
• forlornness
• blues
• mournfulness
• self-pity
• despond
• misery
• dumps
• doldrums
• distress
• downheartedness
• blue devils
• dolor
• desolation
• mopes
• self-despair
• disconsolateness
• resignation
• dispiritedness
• woe
• agony
• wretchedness
• pain
• acceptance
• woefulness
• dolefulness

Dissimilar Words

• optimism
• cheerfulness
• cheer
• mirth
• glee
• joy
• merriment
• gaiety
• joviality
• happiness
• lightheartedness
• exuberance
• jollity
• euphoria
• elation
• exultation
• sunniness
• ecstasy
• jubilation
• rapture
• bliss
• joyousness
• exhilaration
• hope
• gladness
• hopefulness
• joyfulness
• gleefulness
• mirthfulness
• blissfulness
• elatedness
• rapturousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pessimism

The supply of oil is more constrained than ever, but its price is nowhere near peak pessimism. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Economists warn that higher prices on recreational activities — whether in or out of the home — can further intensify the average Joe's economic pessimism. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 July 2026

Americans are deeply divided and intensely polarized, with pessimism at or near a multidecade high. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026

Allan Bailey, 83, a Republican who also served in Vietnam and later owned a motel, voiced similar pessimism. — ABC News, 2 July 2026