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.

Those shares don’t perform as well, on average, in the wake of extreme optimism as they would in extreme pessimism.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Economic pessimism could cause people to change their behavior, slowing the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 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

There was no counterbalance to stagnation, to pessimism, to the most abject surrenders to mysticism.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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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