pessimism

[pes-uh-miz-uhm] / ˈpɛs əˌmɪz əm /

NOUN

belief in bad outcome

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cynicism despair distrust gloom grief hopelessness melancholy sadness unhappiness

STRONG

dejection depression despondency dyspepsia gloominess glumness

WEAK

dark side dim view expectation of worst gloomy outlook low spirits

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheer confidence faith happiness joy joyfulness trust

WEAK

optimism

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.

With copper’s long-term uptrend intact and sentiment turning up from extreme pessimism, copper becomes a conditional confirmation test for the reopening theme.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

March’s nearly 10% decline pushed sentiment to extreme pessimism.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

But some investors think the pessimism is overdone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Microsoft’s stock is on pace for its worst quarterly performance since the financial crisis, underscoring the extent of investor pessimism around two of the company’s major businesses.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Townshend replied with encouraging words, trying not to show his pessimism.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing pessimism

Artemis Fowl

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Promises to Keep

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Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1

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