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Showing results for pessimistic. Search instead for pessimisti.
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.

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

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

There's a lot of things in the world right now -- more than enough -- to leave people, myself included, feeling pessimistic about things.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Businesses and consumers grew more pessimistic in March with the Middle East conflict set to weaken economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

This pattern also shows up in bonds, where investors have been even more reactive and pessimistic than their equity counterparts,” said Mark Hackett, the chief market strategist for Nationwide.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

I think Bongo is too pessimistic for such a young bird.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate