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.

On Monday, European Commission data showed businesses and consumers across the 21-nation currency area felt more pessimistic about their prospects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

"It sounds like I'm being pessimistic with that, but it's born from pure love and enthusiasm of doing it, and we're just going to keep doing it."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

There were also falls in the service sector, with tourism and logistics firms all far more pessimistic, as well as in trade and construction, it said.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Those of a contrarian bent may thus consider a very high ratio is signaling equity investors are too sanguine, while a dive in the ratio may mean they are too pessimistic.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Bogert shrugged, “I suppose Dr. Calvin will tell us when she gets here. Probably with a horribly pessimistic interpretation, too. She is sometimes a bit annoying.”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

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