pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
also ˌpe-zə-
Synonyms of pessimistic
: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
also ˌpe-zə-
adverb

Synonyms of pessimistic

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overall, 63% of the public is pessimistic about the current state of the economy and the outlook, up 1 percentage point from the July survey. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 With the ongoing Iran war affecting gas prices and other costs staying elevated, Americans overall are deeply pessimistic about the state of the economy and see it as a high priority for the midterms. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Counter to recent pessimistic assessments of the continent’s innovation and growth potential, European nations occupy 14 of the top 25 spots in this index. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Vollmann was also pessimistic, relating that feeling comes from more than America’s current political issues, but also from the world’s environmental problems. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessimistic was in 1865

Rhymes for pessimistic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimistic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective
pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
adverb
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