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
Lahaina student Shiela shared that she was caught up in the pessimism that Lahaina would not be able to rebuild and recover.
—
Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2024
But here again, the pessimism is not supported by the data.
—Nicholas R. Lardy, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2024
Two common characteristics include a form of pessimism regarding their future and a lack of attachment to their current professional identity.
—Graham Ward, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024
Voters express pessimism, if not downright anger, at the way things are going in the country — citing immigration as their top concern — and nearly half rate the economy as poor.
—Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2024
The report also estimates that the GDP will fall from 2.5% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024.
Consumer Spending
Despite the pessimism about the economy and inflation, consumer spending has remained strong over the past year.
—Joe Camberato, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
The Biden campaign believes that there is some signaling that the pessimism people feel are starting to ease up and that within the next six to eight months, that could shift.
—Nbc Universal, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2024
In spite of widespread pessimism about the future of humanity and its home planet, Pinker has argued that the world is in fact a happier, safer, more peaceful place than it’s ever been.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
This alarming fall is not only in line with trends toward a shrinking working-age population, but also perhaps indicative of pessimism among Chinese citizens about the country’s future.
—Dan Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024
Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2024
But here again, the pessimism is not supported by the data.
—Nicholas R. Lardy, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2024
Two common characteristics include a form of pessimism regarding their future and a lack of attachment to their current professional identity.
—Graham Ward, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024
Voters express pessimism, if not downright anger, at the way things are going in the country — citing immigration as their top concern — and nearly half rate the economy as poor.
—Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2024
The report also estimates that the GDP will fall from 2.5% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024.
Consumer Spending
Despite the pessimism about the economy and inflation, consumer spending has remained strong over the past year.
—Joe Camberato, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
The Biden campaign believes that there is some signaling that the pessimism people feel are starting to ease up and that within the next six to eight months, that could shift.
—Nbc Universal, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2024
In spite of widespread pessimism about the future of humanity and its home planet, Pinker has argued that the world is in fact a happier, safer, more peaceful place than it’s ever been.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
This alarming fall is not only in line with trends toward a shrinking working-age population, but also perhaps indicative of pessimism among Chinese citizens about the country’s future.
—Dan Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pessimism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimism. Accessed 19 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share