pessimism
noun
pes·si·mism
ˈpe-sə-ˌmi-zəm 
also ˈpe-zə-
1
: an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome
2
a
: the doctrine that reality is essentially evil
b
: the doctrine that evil overbalances happiness in life
Examples of pessimism in a Sentence
Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains.
Recent Examples on the Web
The closest the Genesee came to pessimism was a Dylan T-shirt or two in the lobby with a skeleton wearing a top hat.
—
Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Since then, oil markets have been on a roller coaster, rising up and down alongside pessimism and optimism for a quick end to the war.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Copper markets, meanwhile, are being influenced by economic pessimism.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Funding for that fee waiver expires with the end of the ongoing budget year in June — and transportation officials expressed pessimism the new budget will include $450,000 needed to keep the program going.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
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Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Since then, oil markets have been on a roller coaster, rising up and down alongside pessimism and optimism for a quick end to the war.
—Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Copper markets, meanwhile, are being influenced by economic pessimism.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Funding for that fee waiver expires with the end of the ongoing budget year in June — and transportation officials expressed pessimism the new budget will include $450,000 needed to keep the program going.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimism. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pessimism
noun
pes·si·mism
ˈpes-ə-ˌmiz-əm
1
: a tending to expect the worst possible outcome
2
: a belief that evil is more common than good in life
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