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 mood of economic pessimism within the electorate has prompted both Trump and Harris to roll out a slate of policy proposals that promise a new economic future for Americans.
—
Rebecca Picciotto,annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024
This may be part of the games’ broader appeal: in a time of widespread anxiety and pessimism, a grand vision of how to find meaning in the end of things, how to accept it without accepting your own defeat, might make more sense than another blithe rendition of saving the world.
—Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
Reflecting pessimism about the company’s prospects, Citi recently downgraded the stock to neutral.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024
There was already pessimism about whether Robinson would win his race against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who is leading 49.2% to Robinson’s 39.8%, according to RealClearPolitics’s polling average.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024
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Rebecca Picciotto,annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024
This may be part of the games’ broader appeal: in a time of widespread anxiety and pessimism, a grand vision of how to find meaning in the end of things, how to accept it without accepting your own defeat, might make more sense than another blithe rendition of saving the world.
—Gabriel Winslow-Yost, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
Reflecting pessimism about the company’s prospects, Citi recently downgraded the stock to neutral.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024
There was already pessimism about whether Robinson would win his race against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who is leading 49.2% to Robinson’s 39.8%, according to RealClearPolitics’s polling average.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pessimism
Dictionary Entries Near pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimism. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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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