adjective

pessimistic

peh-suh-MIHS-tihk

adjective

Expecting the worst; having a negative outlook.

"The forecast was pessimistic about a quick economic recovery."

"Try not to be so pessimistic about the interview — it could go well."

How to Use Pessimistic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving or showing a negative, worst-case-scenario outlook.

Easily confused with

optimistic →

Common pairings

pessimistic outlook pessimistic about overly pessimistic

more pessimistic comparative, most pessimistic superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The forecast was _____ about a quick economic recovery.

From pessimist + the adjective ending -ic.

optimistic

bitter optimistic

holistic sadistic artistic autistic logistic statistic realistic ballistic linguistic futuristic optimistic altruistic

optimistic bitter