pessimism

noun

Definition of pessimismnext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
  1. desperation
  2. sadness
  3. despair
  4. sorrow
  5. gloom
  6. depression
  7. cynicism
  8. melancholy
Noun
  • Driven by desperation, the migrants are gambling that the consequences of getting caught in Canada will outweigh the risks of remaining in the United States, the Mounties and human rights officials said.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • The mystery character, played by Sadie Sink, is also dealing with her own demons of loss and fatalistic desperation.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • Out of sadness, but also out of hope and beauty and the belief that what was missing might eventually be found.
    — Thao Thai, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • Corey Ruiz's mother, daughter, partner and siblings joined attorney Ben Crump, expressing their sadness and frustration about his death.
    — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • The difference is that Christian Name was formed through the prism of grief, despair, and eventually redemption.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
  • Keegan had only resigned from Newcastle in January, leaving Tyneside in a state of despair.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • The only other person in the 21st century who might’ve had as uncanny an ability to look beneath the sordidness and sorrow of red carpets and walks of fame to find truth and even poetry might be David Lynch.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
  • Commenters flooded Aquino’s social media accounts with support, expressing their sorrow at the news of her death.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • One way out of the doom and gloom would be for Winnipeg to announce the aforementioned Hellebuyck appeasement.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • That is to say, it was preceded by soothsayings of unparalleled gloom, which faded at the first kick of a ball.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of gloom
Noun
  • Why More Men Are Turning to TRT Symptoms of low testosterone often get misread as depression, stress or ordinary aging.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Studies show social media raises children’s risk of depression and behavioral problems.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of depression
Noun
  • Their cynicism is still there, but it’s carried by brighter melodies and a willingness to let the music speak as loudly as the message.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • But key voters in Pennsylvania have mixed views on whether this is a big deal or not, indicating a level of cynicism about many in the political class.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of cynicism
Noun
  • Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 16 June 2026
  • Don Hertzfeldt occasionally comes to mind for a similarly pervasive mood of questioning, philosophical melancholy.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of melancholy

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pessimism

Nglish: Translation of pessimism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pessimism

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