pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
 also  ˌpe-zə-
: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
 also  ˌpe-zə-
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for pessimistic

cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful.

cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

Examples of pessimistic in a Sentence

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Absent are the absurd characters, rapid-fire jokes, and dryly pessimistic social commentary with which Fey made her name on Saturday Night Live, and that have defined her career, from Mean Girls to 30 Rock. Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025 Even the most pessimistic analysts had the passer as a second-round prospect. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 Despite their warmth and humanism, his films can sometimes seem scathing or pessimistic — tragic comedies sculpted from the granite of American life. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 The analysts at JPMorgan, despite their pessimistic outlook for Tesla’s stock, nevertheless implicitly assume that Tesla will earn more than its cost of capital in the long term. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessimistic was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimistic. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective
pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically adverb

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