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
Broader investor pessimism has bled into the market, as traders began losing faith in Big Tech stocks that have driven the majority of the market’s gains over the past two years.
—
Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
Analysts point to the civil conflict, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced nearly 8 million from their homes, for what has become a culture of pessimism and distrust.
—Mie Hoejris Dahl, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Jan. 2025
In contrast, mainland Chinese markets were weighed down by investor pessimism.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
December's drop was overwhelmingly a result of more pessimism about income, business and labor market prospects in the months ahead.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pessimism 
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Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
Analysts point to the civil conflict, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced nearly 8 million from their homes, for what has become a culture of pessimism and distrust.
—Mie Hoejris Dahl, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Jan. 2025
In contrast, mainland Chinese markets were weighed down by investor pessimism.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
December's drop was overwhelmingly a result of more pessimism about income, business and labor market prospects in the months ahead.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pessimism
Dictionary Entries Near pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimism. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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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
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