pessimism

English translation unavailable for pessimism.

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pessimism

pessimism [noun]

emphasizing or thinking of the bad part of a situation rather than the good part, or the feeling that bad things are more likely to happen than good things

US

/ˈpes.ə.mɪ.zəm/

UK

/ˈpes.ɪ.mɪ.zəm/

Example:

There is now a mood of deepening pessimism about/over the economy.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

pessimism

noun (no plural)
thinking that bad things will happen opposite optimism

>> pessimist noun:
Lisa's such a pessimist.
opposite optimist

>> pessimistic adjective:
Don't be so pessimistic – of course it's not going to rain!
opposite optimistic

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

pessimism

pes‧si‧mi‧sm /ˈpesəmɪzəm, ˈpesɪmɪzəm/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: pessimisme, from Latin pessimus 'worst']
a tendency to believe that bad things will happen OPP optimism
pessimism about/over
There is deep pessimism about the future.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

pessimism

pes·sim·ism [ˈpesɪmɪzəm] [ˈpesɪmɪzəm] noun uncountable ~ (about/over sth)
a feeling that bad things will happen and that sth will not be successful; the tendency to have this feeling
• There is a mood of pessimism in the company about future job prospects.
• This widespread pessimism does not seem justified.
Opp: optimism
Word Origin:
[pessimism] late 18th cent.: from Latin pessimus ‘worst’, on the pattern of optimism.
Example Bank:
• He warned against the dangers of undue pessimism.
• The article reflects the pessimism of its author.
• There were good grounds for pessimism about future progress.

• the widespread pessimism among young people today

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

pessimism / pes.ɪ.mɪ.z ə m / noun [ U ]

emphasizing or thinking of the bad part of a situation rather than the good part, or the feeling that bad things are more likely to happen than good things:
There is now a mood of deepening pessimism about/over the economy.
An underlying pessimism infuses all her novels.
→  Opposite optimism

pessimist / -mɪst / noun [ C ]

Don't be such a pessimist!

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

pessimism

[pe̱sɪmɪzəm]
N-UNCOUNT: oft N about/over n
Pessimism is the belief that bad things are going to happen.
...universal pessimism about the economy...
My first reaction was one of deep pessimism.
Ant:
optimism

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

pessimism

pes·si·mism /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ noun [noncount] : a feeling or belief that bad things will happen in the future : a feeling or belief that what you hope for will not happen
• She has expressed pessimism over the outcome of the trial. [=she thinks the outcome will be bad]
• Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains.
• He expressed his pessimism about politics and politicians. [=his belief that politics and politicians are generally bad]
- opposite optimism