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
Stephanie Guichard, The Conference Board’s senior economist, global indicators, said pessimism about future employment prospects worsened in February, reaching a ten-month high.
—
Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 7 Mar. 2025
Gläser seemed to embody this mix of optimism and pessimism.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Listen to this article MIAMI — To appreciate Erik Spoelstra’s ongoing Miami Heat optimism in the midst of the external pessimism is to consider Spoelstra has seen worse and coached himself out of such depths.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
In order to explore why this pessimism persists, researchers at data and technnology firm Numerator analyzed the spending habits of 150,000 customers from 2019 to 2024 and then surveyed a representative sample (over 4,500 people) to examine what’s driving that sentiment.
—Eric Belcher
leo Feler, Harvard Business Review, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 7 Mar. 2025
Gläser seemed to embody this mix of optimism and pessimism.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Listen to this article MIAMI — To appreciate Erik Spoelstra’s ongoing Miami Heat optimism in the midst of the external pessimism is to consider Spoelstra has seen worse and coached himself out of such depths.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
In order to explore why this pessimism persists, researchers at data and technnology firm Numerator analyzed the spending habits of 150,000 customers from 2019 to 2024 and then surveyed a representative sample (over 4,500 people) to examine what’s driving that sentiment.
—Eric Belcher
leo Feler, Harvard Business Review, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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Yesterday’s White House stunt had all the hallmarks of Trump corruption, but there was something else, too—an air of desperation.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2025
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Demi Moore plays the aging star who, in her desperation to keep her career alive, tries an experimental drug to roll back the years.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Cohen said counterintelligence operations throughout history have targeted disgruntled federal employees who are left in despair and with no way to pay off their expenses and debts.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2025
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While nice in theory, of course, the idea can be challenging to put into practice—especially when someone is in the depths of breakup despair.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones'.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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McIlroy expressed his sorrow and predicted that the 15-time major champion will be unable to play for the rest of the season.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Shear acquits himself well with Sam’s starstruck regard of this famous and beautiful creature who’s inexplicably taken an interest in him, and then with his gloom when things go sour.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
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However, the survey results aren’t all doom and gloom, as 79% of parents reported relief in venting to friends about their most stressful parenting moments.—
Christian Dashiell,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The 10 Best Movies Leaving Netflix In March 2025 Aftersun (2022) Few movies from the 2020s have hit me quite as hard as Aftersun, a movie about not only dealing with depression, but being close to somebody dealing with depression.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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Sleep deficiency is also linked to diabetes, stroke, and mental health conditions like depression.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Writing of the conditions in which both Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin arose, Arendt described a spirit of deep, corrosive cynicism and nihilistic glee at the inversion of old standards.—
Michelle Goldberg,
The Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2025
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Envy funneled into pettiness and conspiracy theories fueled through the online echo chamber of cynicism ... and perhaps an NFL broadcaster or two.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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There’s some comedy in there, but all the laughs are so blunted by a determined melancholy that nothing really lands.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
28 Feb. 2025
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Moving and melancholy, Chalamet’s performance brought him widespread awards recognition including SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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