pessimism

American  

[pes-uh-miz-uhm] / ˈpɛs əˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, conditions, problems, etc..

   His pessimism about the future of our country depresses me.

2. the doctrine that the existing world is the worst of all possible worlds, or that all things naturally tend to evil.

3. the belief that the evil and pain in the world are not compensated for by goodness and happiness.

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pessimism British  

/ ˈpɛsɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. the tendency to expect the worst and see the worst in all things

2. the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of evil over good

3. the doctrine that this world is corrupt and that man's sojourn in it is a preparation for some other existence

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Other Word Forms

• overpessimism noun
• pessimist noun
• pessimistic adjective
• pessimistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of pessimism

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin pessim(us) “worst” (suppletive superlative of malus “bad”) + -ism; modeled on optimism ( def. )

Example Sentences

A new AP-NORC poll released this week crystallizes the public’s pessimism.

From Barron's

This gap between perception and reality can quietly fuel a broader sense of pessimism about other people and about society as a whole.

From Science Daily

Confidence among German firms unexpectedly deteriorated this month, amid growing pessimism about the business outlook for early months of next year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fears about the job market are contributing to widespread pessimism about the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

In our own day, overpopulation pessimism has given way to very real worries that we aren’t replacing ourselves.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cynicism
• despair
• distrust
• gloom
• grief
• hopelessness
• melancholy
• sadness
• unhappiness