pessimist

[ pes-uh-mist ]

noun

1. a person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is disposed to be gloomy.
2. an adherent of the doctrine of pessimism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessimist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; pessim(ism) + -ist

Example Sentences

"I’m a pessimist," he told BBC Newsnight on Thursday.

From BBC

If “you’re an optimist, good things come your way. If you’re a pessimist, bad things come your way,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Why be a pessimist about this?

From Slate

Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Sturgeon described herself as a natural pessimist but said that was not the case come polling day, 18 September 2014.

From BBC

That's why when people ask me if I'm an optimist or a pessimist, I say I'm a possiblist.

From Salon

Related Words

• cynic
• worrier