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Definition of pessimism

pessimism

/ˈpɛsɪmɪzəm/
pes · si · mism
Adverb:pessimistically
•
Adjective:pessimistic
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pessimism Lexical Profile

pessimism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future.

Example

"Despite the prevailing economic pessimism, several technology startups managed to secure substantial funding."

2

A philosophical doctrine holding that this world is as bad as it could possibly be or that all things naturally tend toward evil and suffering.

Example

"The nineteenth-century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer is widely regarded as the foremost proponent of philosophical pessimism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

peskiness
pesky
peso
pessimism
pessimist
pessimistic
pessimistically

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century (originally in French as pessimisme) from the Latin superlative pessimus ('worst'), patterned directly on 'optimism' (from Latin optimus, 'best').

Cite this Entry

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