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

Germans are more pessimistic about their living standards now than at any time since the financial crisis in 2008. —Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025

Jones: Welcome back to pessimistic predictions with Andy Jones! —Sam Lee, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

People who want to move, and can’t, grow more cynical, more pessimistic, more inclined to see the world as zero-sum. —Rachel Cohen, Vox, 18 Feb. 2025

Buffett started a selling spree in July after his view on the industry turned pessimistic following 2023′s banking crisis. —Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pessimistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic
• eucharistic

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