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Showing results for pessimistic. Search instead for pessimistisk.
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.

Negotiators are pessimistic that Iran will meet Trump’s demand to allow traffic to flow freely through the Strait of Hormuz, Journal reported.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The pessimistic case is that a prolonged conflict sends price shocks rippling through fertilizers, industrial chemicals and semiconductor production.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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

As I ate, I cheered up a little and thought possibly, just possibly, I had been too pessimistic about the padlocks.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien