What does pessimism mean?
Pessimism is the habit or outlook of expecting unfavorable results and viewing the future with doubt or alarm. It may refer to a general attitude, as in widespread pessimism about the economy, or to the belief that events will tend to deteriorate. The word can be used neutrally when describing a realistic assessment of serious risks, but it often suggests gloom, resignation, or an expectation that efforts are unlikely to succeed. Pessimism is especially common in political and economic discussion, where forecasts about growth, conflict, employment, or public institutions may be described as optimistic or pessimistic. Although its opposite is optimism, the two are not exact mirror images: a pessimistic forecast may coexist with determination, caution, or hope that action can improve outcomes. Understanding the word therefore requires distinguishing sober recognition of risk from a broader sense that nothing can be done.
nounPessimism is the tendency to expect unfavorable outcomes or to view the future negatively. It can also refer more broadly to the belief that conditions will deteriorate or that human affairs are fundamentally hopeless.
- The habitual tendency to expect unfavorable outcomes or to view the future negatively.
- A broader philosophical attitude or doctrine that human affairs are unlikely to improve or that the world is fundamentally flawed.
"Despite widespread pessimism about the economy, small businesses continued to expand."
"Her pessimism about finding work led her to postpone applying for the position."
"The essay warns that excessive pessimism can prevent people from recognizing genuine opportunities."
Rare; pessimism is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable noun.
"The novel examines the contrasting pessimisms of its two central characters."
Pessimism comes from Latin pessimus, meaning “worst,” so its name preserves the idea of always expecting the worst.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pessimism come from?
Pessimism entered English from French pessimisme, which was formed from the Latin pessimus, meaning “worst.” Pessimus was the superlative of malus, meaning “bad,” and it gave rise to related forms such as pessimal, pessimist, and pessimistic.
Related word forms
How pessimism is actually used
Pessimism is generally neutral to mildly negative in connotation and can describe either a considered assessment of difficult circumstances or an unnecessarily negative outlook. It is common in formal discussion, journalism, and everyday speech.
Easily confused with pessimism
Pessimism is an expectation that things will turn out badly, whereas cynicism is chiefly a distrustful or contemptuous attitude toward people and their motives.