Word
cynicism
Phoneticscyn·i·cism
US/ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/
UK/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that people are mostly selfish and only do things to help themselves. It is a negative way of looking at the world where you do not trust people's reasons for being kind.
n. an attitude of suspicion or skepticism regarding the motives of others, based on the belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest. Often implies a jaded or disillusioned worldview.
Examples
“His cynicism makes it hard for him to trust anyone.”
“The public's cynicism toward politicians has grown after years of broken promises and scandals.”
“While some viewed the CEO's massive donation as a genuine act of philanthropy, others dismissed it with cynicism as a calculated move to improve the company's public image.”
Examples
simple
“His cynicism makes it hard for him to trust anyone.”
contextual
“The public's cynicism toward politicians has grown after years of broken promises and scandals.”
complex
“While some viewed the CEO's massive donation as a genuine act of philanthropy, others dismissed it with cynicism as a calculated move to improve the company's public image.”
Usage
Uncountable in its general sense; can be used with 'about' or 'toward' to specify the object of distrust.
Real-World Examples
“For musical theater historians, this shift could be summarized as a handoff from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim, whose postmodern cynicism and fractured narratives better match the tenor of the times.” “Whatever report is published, it looks highly unlikely to reverse the wave of controversy and cynicism that has already engulfed the AI171 investigation.” Etymology
From Cynic + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cynicism