pessimist

[pes-uh-mist]

noun

1. a person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy.

2. an adherent of the doctrine of pessimism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessimist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; pessim(ism) + -ist

Example Sentences

He describes himself as a “long-term optimist but a short-term pessimist.”

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A pessimist, however, would look and see the need for careful risk management.

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“My advice is simple: Plan like a pessimist and travel like an optimist,” he said.

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"The expression of pessimist sentiments doesn't necessarily mean a fundamental rejection of participating in the labour market and society at large," says Dr Luo.

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A year of dating in L.A. turned me into a pessimist, so I tried not to count all the ways this could go wrong — like, what if he doesn’t show up?

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Related Words

• cynic 
• worrier