Word
pessimistic
Phoneticspes·simistic
US/ˌpɛsəˈmɪstɪk/
UK/pˌɛsɪmˈɪstɪk/
Definition
adj. expecting the worst thing to happen in a situation. You use this to describe someone who focuses on the negative side of things.
adj. tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'seem'.
Examples
“He is very pessimistic about his chances of winning.”
“The analysts are pessimistic about the company's growth following the recent economic downturn.”
“While some experts remain optimistic about the transition to renewable energy, others take a more pessimistic view, citing the immense logistical hurdles involved.”
Examples
simple
“He is very pessimistic about his chances of winning.”
contextual
“The analysts are pessimistic about the company's growth following the recent economic downturn.”
complex
“While some experts remain optimistic about the transition to renewable energy, others take a more pessimistic view, citing the immense logistical hurdles involved.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about'.
Pitfall
he is pessimistic of the future
he is pessimistic about the future
Pessimistic typically collocates with 'about' rather than 'of' when referring to a situation or outcome.
Real-World Examples
“Many are pessimistic about achieving the American Dream and question the value of higher education.” “For the purposes of this analysis, we will consider three cases: optimistic, neutral, and pessimistic.” Etymology
From pessimist + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/pessimistic