What does "pessimism" mean?
A general belief that bad things will happen.
Pessimism
/ˈpɛsɪmɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A general belief that bad things will happen.
- Grammar: pessimism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anxiety, apprehension, atomism, be defeated.
- Useful contrasts: favorable regard, material outlook, popular sentiment.
- Usage evidence: The article's tone was one of pessimism.
How to use "pessimism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pessimism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pessimism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pessimism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pessimism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pessimism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "anxiety" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pessimism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A general belief that bad things will happen. uncountable, usually
"T2 isn’t as good as T1: it is a little too long and unwinds a bit into caper sentimentality, broad comedy and self-mythologising. But it has the same punchy energy, the same defiant pessimism, and there’s nothing around like it. This sequel was a high-wire act, but Boyle has made it to the other side."
- 2 a general disposition to look on the dark side and to expect the worst in all things wordnet
- 3 The doctrine that this world is the worst of all possible worlds. uncountable, usually
- 4 the feeling that things will turn out badly wordnet
- 5 The condition of being pessimal. uncountable, usually
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
favorable regardmaterial outlookpopular sentimentpositive affect
Example
"The article's tone was one of pessimism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pessimism"?
Common synonyms include: anxiety, apprehension, atomism, be defeated, blank despondency, cliff hanging.
How do you use "pessimism" in a sentence?
The article's tone was one of pessimism.
How do you pronounce "pessimism"?
Pronounced /ˈpɛsɪmɪzəm/.
Etymology
From French pessimisme, from Latin pessimus (“worst”) + -ism, superlative of malus (“bad”). As a doctrine, from German Pessimismus as used by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in 1819.