pessimistic

[pes-uh-mis-tik]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by pessimism or the tendency to expect only bad outcomes; gloomy; joyless; unhopeful.

   His pessimistic outlook kept him from applying for jobs for which he was perfectly qualified.

   Synonyms: hopeless, despairing

Other Word Forms

• pessimistically adverb
• nonpessimistic adjective
• nonpessimistically adverb
• overpessimistic adjective
• overpessimistically adverb
• unpessimistic adjective
• unpessimistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessimistic¹

First recorded in 1865–70; pessimist + -ic

Synonym Study

See cynical.

Example Sentences

Among those whose current party preference is Reform, a remarkable 89% are pessimistic about the prospects for the economy.

From BBC

When I interviewed you for “The Rider” in 2018 you said you’re a very pessimistic person and when you get a good review, you’re just waiting for the bad one to drop.

From Los Angeles Times

Delpy is slightly more pessimistic and explains that given "politicians have to be heard, if you're too reasonable you won't be listened to as there's so much noise of both extremes".

From BBC

Wolves could still pull this pessimistic prediction around, but it will be need a busy few weeks in the transfer market.

From BBC

The pessimistic among us may have thought they would never see that gun again.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bleak 
• depressed 
• despondent 
• discouraged 
• fatalistic 
• gloomy 
• glum 
• sad