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.
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Recent Examples of pessimism
The scale of pessimism echoed an annual survey of U.S. companies in China released in late January that showed a record share of American businesses were accelerating plans to relocate manufacturing or sourcing.
—
Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Several factors contribute to our current pessimism regarding the stock.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Surveys suggest that consumers also have turned much more downbeat about the outlook, fueling concern that this pessimism will eventually translate to less spending.
—Colby Smith, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The uncertainty has already shown up in surveys of consumers, which say pessimism is shooting higher about where the economy heading.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Several factors contribute to our current pessimism regarding the stock.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Surveys suggest that consumers also have turned much more downbeat about the outlook, fueling concern that this pessimism will eventually translate to less spending.
—Colby Smith, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The uncertainty has already shown up in surveys of consumers, which say pessimism is shooting higher about where the economy heading.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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Years of economic dysfunction have left the country’s once-thriving middle class in a state of desperation.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Based on Spoelstra’s success in driving the Heat to and through the playoffs, nothing dramatic needed here, certainly nothing like the Knicks’ act of desperation with Thibodeau.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
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Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Not all ‘doom and gloom’ Nevertheless, the global business travel market is still on track to top $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, Neufang said.—
Monica Pitrelli,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
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The film is quite handsome, full of woodsy earth tones and dark clothing, without any bright colors to get in the way of the meditative gloom.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Over time, the nearly circular 75-mile-wide (120 kilometers) depression has been eroded by water and ice, enlarging it to nearly twice its initial size.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
-
Young caregivers report more depression, anxiety, and stress than their peers.—
Leah Fabel,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Hardly anyone would prefer to be made the fool — healthy skepticism can prevent you from clicking on a phishing link in an email or joining a multilevel marketing scheme — but a life of cynicism isn’t preferable either.—
Allie Volpe,
Vox,
7 May 2025
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As a result, the Gold Cup still carries lesser importance to its participating nations (and particularly those who can realistically win the honor) than the Euros or Copa America, and is often viewed with as much cynicism as affection.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
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This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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