pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik 

 also  ˌpe-zə-

: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy

pessimistically

ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

 also  ˌpe-zə-

adverb

Synonyms

• bearish
• defeatist
• despairing
• downbeat
• hopeless

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

However, in the country’s struggling manufacturing sector, businesses were less pessimistic about the future but viewed their current situation as markedly worse, noting a lack of new orders. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

Voters are pessimistic about the economy and the country Overall, voters remain pessimistic about the state of the economy and the general direction of the country. —Steve Peoples, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024

And a disastrous buyers’ screening for 300 industry machers at Los Angeles’s Universal City Walk IMAX in March left distributors pessimistic about Megalopolis’s commercial prospects. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2024

Are Danes predisposed to pessimistic thinking about where we’re headed? —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik 

: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy

pessimistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb