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
A lot of the pessimism and fear around AI is about what could happen, not what’s actually happening across the country.
—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
With many families increasingly financially pinched, some are turning to credit cards and other forms of debt to cover daily expenses, which could also contribute to their pessimism about the economy, Hanks said.
—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
And growing fears over diminishing job security in white-collar fields once thought of as safe are a key driver behind Americans’ growing pessimism about the economy.
—
D. Brian Blank,
The Conversation,
29 June 2026
Now, in an Emerson College poll that asked the same question, pessimism had jumped 26 points, to 41%, while optimism had ticked down to 42% − overall, a positive edge of a single point.
—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
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Diane Brady,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
With many families increasingly financially pinched, some are turning to credit cards and other forms of debt to cover daily expenses, which could also contribute to their pessimism about the economy, Hanks said.
—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
And growing fears over diminishing job security in white-collar fields once thought of as safe are a key driver behind Americans’ growing pessimism about the economy.
—
D. Brian Blank,
The Conversation,
29 June 2026
Now, in an Emerson College poll that asked the same question, pessimism had jumped 26 points, to 41%, while optimism had ticked down to 42% − overall, a positive edge of a single point.
—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
22 June 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 Jul. 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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