as in desperation
a feeling or belief that bad things will happen in the future; a feeling or belief that what you hope for will not happen
She has expressed pessimism over the outcome of the trial. Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains. He expressed his pessimism about politics and politicians.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pessimism
The week also is set to bring two more looks at consumer sentiment, which has shown more pessimism in recent surveys and contributed to Wall Street’s worries about a slowdown in the economy.
—
Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
But the way this campaign ends will at least go some way to setting the levels of pessimism, and Pereira’s personality and natural connection with the Wolves public have already gone a small way to putting smiles on faces.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Though largely unaffected by Thursday's recall announcement, Tesla shares have plummeted 42% in 2025, reflecting newfound pessimism as sales crater around the globe.
—TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Historically, such pessimism has signaled buying opportunities.
—Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
But the way this campaign ends will at least go some way to setting the levels of pessimism, and Pereira’s personality and natural connection with the Wolves public have already gone a small way to putting smiles on faces.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Though largely unaffected by Thursday's recall announcement, Tesla shares have plummeted 42% in 2025, reflecting newfound pessimism as sales crater around the globe.
—TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
Historically, such pessimism has signaled buying opportunities.
—Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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Sources close to Emery felt PSG’s desperation to win the Champions League could, at times, be all-consuming.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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But most of the messages were laced with an unmistakable desperation about the precarious state of the country’s health care workers — and how no one was telling their story.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most importantly, families who have already been traumatized and marginalized will be nurtured by communities rather than pressed farther away from them, deeper into despair.—
Jeff Hobbs,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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As weeks stretch on, sadness can deepen into despair, shadowed by shame.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His eyes filled with sorrow as his mom gave Lola all the attention.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Others predicted the federal government will remain a major employer locally and cautioned against premature doom and gloom.—
Jonathan Shorman and,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
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Shear acquits himself well with Sam’s starstruck regard of this famous and beautiful creature who’s inexplicably taken an interest in him, and then with his gloom when things go sour.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Participants were asked to outline varying facets from their sleep cycle, their energy peak time, rumination habits, depression levels, mindfulness practices and their weekly alcohol consumption.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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Given that almost 50 percent of participants are considered night owls, studying the link between late nights and depression is important to identify ways to reduce depression, Evans explains.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Conversely, those who fail to clearly define and protect autonomy inadvertently—or, in some cases, very deliberately—foster organizational cynicism, distrust, and disengagement.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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As Laz points out, there’s a healthy dose of cynicism in the market.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The portrait of the melancholy Dane himself lacks gravitas, alas, which undercuts the existential power of the play.—
Karen D'Souza,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
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Quiet, melancholy Andrew slowly resigns himself to letting his sweet daughter go.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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