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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Recent Examples of pessimism
Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other as well, because a fleeting depression or pessimism might be a downer for you.
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Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
The forces driving the market — optimism, pessimism, speculation — are very human.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
Some tech leaders have pushed back on the pessimism about AI stealing jobs.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Borrowing from Reiner’s own post-divorce pessimism and depression, the film was originally meant to have a sadder, more cynical ending.
—Meg Walters, Glamour, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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At the time, Luchin told ABC7 that financial desperation following the closure of his Walnut Creek restaurant, Ottavio, played a role in his actions.—
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Then Jordan Love's desperation heave into the end zone from the Bears 28 was knocked down as time expired to secure Chicago's first playoff win since the 2010 season.—
Noun
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Emotions were on full display with many expressing sadness and frustration, not only over Wednesday's federal raid, but raids happening around the Twin Cities over the last 40 days.—
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The initial answer to that question is a no, according to some evangelical pastors and commentators who reacted with shock and sadness to Yancey’s confession.—
Noun
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Monday’s loss to the Celtics highlighted the despair in the state of the current Bulls frontcourt.—
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But Wharton, unlike the characters in her novels, never seemed to give in to despair.—
Noun
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Death, fear, and sorrow unify the disparate practices.—
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But grief will give you so much more than sorrow.—
Noun
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Why, then, the unrelenting economic gloom?—
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But despite all the gloom, there are reasons for optimism.—
Noun
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And while medications and therapy are important tools, Fabiano says exercise is recognized as a preferred treatment for depression.—
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The country legend struggled with her mental health and suffered from suicidal depression.—
Noun
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Humor is a powerful tool in combating cynicism and burnout and in developing a vision for a better world.—
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These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness.—
Noun
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Neither a square nor prime number, 2026 is still intriguing Number enthusiasts may be looking to the new year with a touch of melancholy.—
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Cookie cravings, a tinge of melancholy, and the urge to hibernate and fix your life all at once.—
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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