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.

Even in the face of continued pessimism from energy analysts, transportation exports, and geopolitical strategists, stocks rose on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

The European Commission’s Economic Sentiment Indicator fell to 96.6 in March, reflecting increased eurozone pessimism amid the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I felt an acute pessimism at the back of my throat when they were together.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

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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