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Showing results for pessimistic. Search instead for pessimistisk.
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.

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

Negotiators are pessimistic that Iran will meet Trump’s demand to allow traffic to flow freely through the Strait of Hormuz, Journal reported.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

“If young people do not obtain the right credentials—they call it the ‘right spec’—they become very pessimistic.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden