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
Executive Summary Amid rising investor pessimism, this article contends that market fears may be overstated.
—
Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Lack of political vision Yet a majority of Israelis voice pessimism about the economy, according to a March 9 survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute.
—Shoshanna Solomon, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2025
Both the New York Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations and the University of Michigan’s benchmark survey showed increasing pessimism about financial conditions among households.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Consumers’ economic pessimism is worsening as inflation stays hot and a series of new reports flash alarms days before the White House expands its trade war.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
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Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Lack of political vision Yet a majority of Israelis voice pessimism about the economy, according to a March 9 survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute.
—Shoshanna Solomon, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2025
Both the New York Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations and the University of Michigan’s benchmark survey showed increasing pessimism about financial conditions among households.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Consumers’ economic pessimism is worsening as inflation stays hot and a series of new reports flash alarms days before the White House expands its trade war.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimism. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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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