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

Notably, Democrats are particularly pessimistic about the future of their own party, while Republicans are riding high. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024

That tracks with longstanding findings that the generation is pessimistic about the right now but upbeat about the future. —Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

The economy was the top issue for voters in November's election, with polling consistently finding that voters were pessimistic about its state. —Khaleda Rahman, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Speaking in a press conference before Leverkusen’s Bundesliga game against Heidenheim this weekend, head coach Xabi Alonso was pessimistic about his forwards chances of returned before the end of 2024. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 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