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Definitions

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.

The bottom line: Keep your pessimism in check.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Middle East hostilities have increased consumer pessimism about the economy, according to data released Friday.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

“We believe this combination of severe price compression, completely exhausted market breadth, and extreme pessimism is not a cause for panic, but rather a classic contrarian trading opportunity,” they wrote.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Even when users try to escape this vortex of pessimism, they'll struggle.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Now they were demanding monthly and even fortnightly reports, and pestered him constantly about the wisdom of his pessimism.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.