pessimistic
Expecting the worst to happen.
pessimistic in a sentence
- Don't be so pessimistic; one grey cloud doesn't mean the picnic is ruined.
- Leo felt pessimistic about the maths test, certain he would get every question wrong.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to pessimistic?
- Anegative
- Bpositive
- Coptimistic
- Dcheerful
Show the answer
A: negative. The other three mean the opposite of pessimistic.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to pessimistic?
- Anegative
- Bhopeless
- Coptimistic
- Dgloomy
Show the answer
C: optimistic. The other three mean nearly the same as pessimistic.
Words that mean something similar
negative, hopeless, gloomy
Words that mean the opposite
optimistic, positive, cheerful
More words about emotions & feelings
- petrified: So frightened that you cannot move.
- plight: A sad or difficult situation someone is stuck in.
- qualm: A worried feeling that what you are doing might be wrong.
- ravenous: Extremely hungry, and ready to eat greedily.
- reassure: To comfort someone and make them feel less worried.
- rejoice: To feel or show great happiness.
- relish: To enjoy something very much.
- reluctant: Not wanting to do something.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test