Synonyms

pessimistic

American

[pes-uh-mis-tik] / ˌpɛs əˈmɪs tɪk /

adjective

pertaining to or characterized by pessimism or the tendency to expect only bad outcomes; gloomy; joyless; unhopeful.

His pessimistic outlook kept him from applying for jobs for which he was perfectly qualified.

Synonyms:

hopeless, despairing

Related Words

See cynical.

Other Word Forms

nonpessimistic adjective
nonpessimistically adverb
overpessimistic adjective
overpessimistically adverb
pessimistically adverb
unpessimistic adjective
unpessimistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of pessimistic

First recorded in 1865–70; pessimist + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

German business sentiment held steady at a low level in January, a survey showed Monday, with firms still pessimistic about any sustained recovery in Europe's biggest economy.

From Barron's

Academics preferred the 20th century’s drearier strains of pessimistic poetry.

From The Wall Street Journal

But without details on how the measure will be funded, uncertainty has gripped the more pessimistic corners of the market.

From The Wall Street Journal

This deeply pessimistic view of the U.S. has taken hold of many young people.

From The Wall Street Journal

The perils and possibilities of space travel, a proudly pessimistic investor, Winnie-the-Pooh’s creators and more.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023