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
Meanwhile, pessimism is running high among this year’s new college graduates, who face a tougher job market than in past years.
—
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 5 May 2025
The Democrats’ pessimism comes as the party confronts a downward trend in its approval as well as a general lack of unity following the 2024 presidential election.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Apr. 2025
Guichard noted that the decline was largely driven by consumers’ falling expectations; the three components of these expectations — business conditions, employment prospects, and future income — all deteriorated sharply, reflecting pervasive pessimism about the future.
—Kevin Williams, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
But polling shows increasing economic pessimism among voters due to the impact of tariffs, sentiment that may rebound on Trump and the Republicans at the ballot box if inflation and unemployment rise, and growth slows.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 5 May 2025
The Democrats’ pessimism comes as the party confronts a downward trend in its approval as well as a general lack of unity following the 2024 presidential election.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Apr. 2025
Guichard noted that the decline was largely driven by consumers’ falling expectations; the three components of these expectations — business conditions, employment prospects, and future income — all deteriorated sharply, reflecting pervasive pessimism about the future.
—Kevin Williams, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
But polling shows increasing economic pessimism among voters due to the impact of tariffs, sentiment that may rebound on Trump and the Republicans at the ballot box if inflation and unemployment rise, and growth slows.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
-
Vegas, now in desperation mode, will have to resolve its disappearing offense and win the battle of urgency against Edmonton — something Jack Eichel said his team lacked on Monday.—
Sarah Jean Maher,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
-
Critics argue the murders were calculated acts of greed, rather than acts of desperation by abuse victims.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.—
Timothy Shriver,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
-
Is now a time for optimism or despair over Israel’s environmental record?—
JTA Staff Report,
Sun Sentinel,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
The wind of sorrows is so violent today and sweeps up the weakest — the hostages of October 7 and all the hostages — the prisoners, the drowned, who endure terror and die in a terrible feeling of abandonment and indifference.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
-
Her words pierced through the haze of sorrow and became an enduring truth.—
Carissa Talmage,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Rather than a sense of doom and gloom, Chelsea left Newcastle on Sunday with high hopes that their target for the Premier League season can be achieved.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
This era of uncertainty doesn’t have to create a sentiment of doom and gloom.—
Michael Della Penna,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
For some people with mild depression, walking might even be as effective as some medications.6 High-intensity exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can boost your mood following a workout.—
Jennifer Steinhoff,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
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Advanced technologies, physical security, and an abundance of stuff [courtesy of highly advanced 3D printers] does nothing to stop a growing wave of loneliness and depression.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Deficient implementation creates cynicism, which tends to decrease trust in leadership.—
Ryan Lahti,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
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The episode also concludes the series itself, which routinely bounced between toe-curling raunch and a fierce sentimentality that sometimes clashed with its trademark cynicism.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
The poem concludes with an impulsive act of generosity that carries a hint of melancholy.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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The actor infuses this unusual father figure with an overprotective streak and a sense of melancholy to match a patchwork body born from parental abuse. 5.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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