Definitions

pessimistic

[pes-uh-mis-tik] / ˌpɛs əˈmɪs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

expecting bad outcome

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bleak depressed despondent discouraged fatalistic gloomy glum sad

WEAK

cynical dark dejected despairing distrustful downhearted foreboding hopeless melancholy misanthropic morbid morose resigned sullen troubled worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright cheerful encouraged encouraging happy joyful sunny

WEAK

confident optimistic trusting

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.

Retail investors, meanwhile, remain pessimistic about where the stock market is headed over the next six months, based on the most recent sentiment survey from the American Association of Individual Investors.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

So there was no contrarian buy signal — defined as timers being more pessimistic than on at least 90% of prior trading sessions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

On Monday, European Commission data showed businesses and consumers across the 21-nation currency area felt more pessimistic about their prospects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

But Winnie is a determined person, and I suspect my pessimistic reaction only strengthened her resolve.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing pessimistic

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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