Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

pessimist

[pes-uh-mist] / ˈpɛs ə mɪst /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He said he anticipates greater prosperity, adding, “If you wanted me to sound like a pessimist and a doomer on this, I’m afraid I’m not there.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 1, 2026

For Klement, a self-professed "pessimist" who has lived in the UK for 10 years, the research was never about protecting anyone from heartbreak, or winning big on a bet.

From BBC May 26, 2026

Whether you are an A.I. optimist or pessimist, you’d ideally agree that few industries have ever screamed out more for intense scrutiny at a particular moment than generative A.I. does right now.

From Slate Apr. 7, 2026

A pessimist, however, would look and see the need for careful risk management.

From Barron's Oct. 23, 2025

I can’t seem to be a pessimist long enough to overlook the possibility of things being overwhelmingly good.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

"We were pessimists for many years," says Katariina Kähkönen, a reporter at Finland's MTV Uutiset.

From BBC May 17, 2026

Optimists tend to have higher incomes than pessimists.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 16, 2026

Optimists are more likely to be 60 or older than pessimists and tend to have higher incomes.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 16, 2026

She has defied pessimists to be a hit with voters, especially young ones, with fans lapping up everything from her handbag to her jamming to a K-pop song with South Korea's president.

From Barron's Feb. 7, 2026

Scientists can’t afford to be optimists or pessimists.

From "Crenshaw" by Katherine Applegate




Vocabulary lists containing pessimist


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training