pessimistic
/ˌpesɪˈmɪstɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌpesɪˈmɪstɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik also ˌpe-zə-/ (ame, mw)
pessimistic — adjective
- pessimisticpositive
- more pessimisticcomparative
- most pessimisticsuperlative
1. always expecting that bad things will happen or focusing on what is wrong in a s
always expecting that bad things will happen or focusing on what is wrong in a situation, rather than seeing what could go well.
Despite the sunny forecast, Mei remained pessimistic about the picnic plans.
The team's pessimistic outlook made it hard to find volunteers for the project.
collocation: pessimistic outlook
Dr. Okafor's pessimistic diagnosis surprised the family, who had hoped for better news.
After three failed interviews, Priya became pessimistic about finding a job.
Kofi felt pessimistic about passing the exam, even though he had studied hard.
- gloomy
stronger emotional tone; suggests sadness or despair rather than a rational expectation
- cynical
implies distrust of other people's motives, not just a negative outlook on events
- negative
broader and less specific; can describe a person, attitude, or result in any context
- defeatist
more extreme; suggests giving up or refusing to try because success seems impossible
- optimistic
the direct opposite: expecting good things to happen
- hopeful
more emotional; focuses on desire for a good outcome rather than expectation
- positive
broader; suggests a generally constructive or confident attitude
用法筆記
Commonly followed by the preposition about (pessimistic about the outcome). Can also be followed by a that-clause (pessimistic that things will improve). The opposite meaning is conveyed by optimistic.