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
But what is lacking to drive the pessimism back into optimism and real results?
—
David T. Nudelman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The pessimism around the prospects of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are not without foundation.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024
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
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David T. Nudelman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The pessimism around the prospects of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are not without foundation.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024
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
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 28 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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