What does cynicism mean?
Cynicism is a noun describing the attitude of distrusting the sincerity of human motives — the conviction that people act chiefly out of self-interest rather than genuine principle. A cynical person tends to question displays of generosity, idealism, or public virtue, suspecting them of masking selfish aims. The word carries predominantly negative connotations in modern use: it suggests bitterness, disillusionment, or an unwillingness to believe in anything better, and it is often invoked in discussions of politics, advertising, and institutions where trust has eroded. Yet cynicism also has a distinguished intellectual pedigree. In its original Greek sense, it named a school of philosophy founded in the fourth century BCE, associated with Diogenes, whose followers rejected wealth, status, and social convention in favor of austere living according to nature. Related terms include the adjective 'cynical' and the noun 'cynic'. Distinguishing cynicism from neighboring concepts such as skepticism, which merely suspends judgment until evidence arrives, helps clarify its distinctive edge of contempt. The word remains essential for describing both personal temperament and broader cultural moods.
An attitude of scornful distrust of human motives and sincerity, based on the assumption that self-interest governs people's actions.
"Her cynicism made her dismiss every charity appeal as a publicity stunt."
The philosophy of the Cynics, an ancient Greek school advocating rejection of wealth, convention, and ambition in favor of simple living according to nature.
"The lecture traced the evolution of cynicism from Antisthenes through Diogenes to its Roman successors."
Usually capitalized when referring specifically to the ancient philosophical movement.
As an abstract mass noun denoting an attitude or philosophical stance, cynicism does not take a plural form.
"A wave of cynicism swept through the electorate after the scandal."
The original Cynics weren't bitter — they were radical simplifiers who gave away their possessions and lived in barrels to prove that happiness needed nothing money could buy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cynicism
Cynicism derives from the ancient Greek kynikos ('dog-like'), the label given to the followers of Antisthenes, a pupil of Socrates, whose ascetic way of life earned them comparison with dogs; the name was later embraced by Diogenes of Sinope, the school's most famous figure. The Greek term passed into Latin as cynicus before entering English via French, with the noun 'cynicism' becoming established in English usage by the early modern period, around the late sixteenth or seventeenth century. Words sharing this lineage include the adjective 'cynical' and the noun 'cynic', all ultimately rooted in the same Greek dog imagery.
Related word forms
How cynicism is actually used
In everyday usage, cynicism carries a largely negative connotation, implying bitterness, disillusionment, or an uncharitable view of human nature — it is generally used as a criticism of someone's outlook. However, it can be used neutrally or even approvingly as a form of hard-won worldly wisdom. The capitalized sense referring to the ancient Greek school of philosophy is distinct and appears mainly in historical or academic contexts. The word functions as a mass noun and has no standard plural.
Easily confused with cynicism
Sarcasm is a mocking or ironic remark intended to wound or amuse, while cynicism is an underlying attitude of distrust toward human motives rather than a form of speech.
Skepticism is the withholding of belief pending evidence, whereas cynicism assumes bad motives in advance and dismisses sincerity altogether.