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Definition of bearish

bearish

/ˈbɛr.ɪʃ/
bear · ish
Adverb:bearishly
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bearish Lexical Profile

bearish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by, expecting, or tending toward a decline in financial market prices or economic activity.

Example

"Many investors turned bearish on technology stocks after the central bank announced higher interest rates."

2

Rough, surly, or awkward in manner; resembling a bear in temperament or appearance.

Example

"Despite his bearish demeanor and gruff voice, the old shopkeeper was always kind to the neighborhood children."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bearish

• Nearby Words

bearhug
bearing
bearings
bearish
bearishly
bearishness
bearlike

Word Origin & Etymology

The literal sense dates to the 16th century from 'bear' plus '-ish'. The financial sense emerged in the early 18th century from the proverb 'to sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear', referring to speculators who sold borrowed stock hoping to buy it back later at a lower price.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bearish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bearish
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