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Showing results for pessimistic. Search instead for pessimistica.
Definitions

pessimistic

[pes-uh-mis-tik] / ˌpɛs əˈmɪs tɪk /
ADJECTIVE
expecting bad outcome
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bleak depressed despondent discouraged fatalistic gloomy glum sad
WEAK
cynical dark dejected despairing distrustful downhearted foreboding hopeless melancholy misanthropic morbid morose resigned sullen troubled worried
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful encouraged encouraging happy joyful sunny
WEAK
confident optimistic trusting

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 pessimistic view on the cease-fire is that “underlying positions remain far apart.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Jeff Korzenik, chief economist at Fifth Third Bank, said he found the CBO’s estimates somewhat pessimistic, and that a more productive workforce could lead to stronger growth over time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

There's a lot of things in the world right now -- more than enough -- to leave people, myself included, feeling pessimistic about things.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

WGrayson7: well, i agree that 'trial and error' is a pretty pessimistic name for it. and maybe that's what it is most of the time.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan