pessimistic mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pessimistic mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of mind characterized by negativity or a lack of hope. Example: "After hearing the disappointing news, she fell into a pessimistic mood that lasted for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But in 2017, a highly upbeat economic outlook failed to elevate America's generally pessimistic mood.

The Washington Post

In the Varieties, the "French correspondent", describes being in a generally pessimistic mood, unsure what to do with himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

The conservative Kathimerini, in particularly pessimistic mood, said prospects for an alternative solution were far from good.

The Guardian

Consumers, catching the new pessimistic mood, cut the value of spending by 1.8% in September, the biggest monthly drop since January 1987.

The Economist

Yet there is also a pessimistic mood of resignation induced by the burden of civic ineffectualness that history had imposed on his people.

Britannica

To some of them, the embrace of Bishop can even serve as a welcome antidote to the pessimistic mood prevailing here these days.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In his more pessimistic moods, West seems to agree: he knows that nothing can trend upward forever.

The New York Times - Magazine

Negative a pessimistic moods make things worse, mentally and physically.

WikiHow

Some retailers asked manufacturers to hold onto goods until existing inventories had been sold, and the pessimistic retailing mood also showed up in the form of lower back-to-school and Christmas orders, the Fed said.

The New York Times

To be sure, an argument can be made that Mr. Obama himself bears some responsibility for the pessimistic national mood — particularly in recent weeks, as the latest decline in confidence seems to have as much to do with political as economic factors.

The New York Times

Symptoms of major depressive disorder include a sad or hopeless mood, pessimistic thinking, a loss of enjoyment and interest in one's usual activities and pastimes, reduced energy and vitality, increased fatigue, slowness of thought and action, change of appetite, and disturbed sleep.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general societal sentiment, consider using "pessimistic mood" to convey a widespread feeling of negativity or lack of optimism. It's effective for capturing collective sentiment in economic or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pessimistic mood" to describe fleeting, minor disappointments. Reserve it for situations involving significant negativity or prolonged periods of low morale; using it for everyday grievances dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pessimistic mood" functions as a noun phrase, where "pessimistic" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "mood". It describes a state of mind characterized by a lack of hope or a negative outlook. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pessimistic mood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of mind characterized by negativity or a lack of hope. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and scientific writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations involving significant negativity to avoid diluting its impact. Ludwig's analysis suggests several alternatives, such as "negative frame of mind" or "gloomy outlook", which may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative frame of mind

Focuses more on the cognitive aspect of negativity.

gloomy outlook

Emphasizes the anticipation of unfavorable outcomes.

despondent state

Highlights a deeper sense of sadness and hopelessness.

downcast spirit

Suggests a loss of enthusiasm and vitality.

somber disposition

Implies a serious and melancholic temperament.

melancholic temperament

Focuses on a habitual tendency towards sadness and introspection.

negative attitude

Implies a generally unfavorable approach to situations.

defeatist mindset

Suggests a predisposition to expecting failure.

depressed emotional state

More clinical and directly linked to depression.

bleak perspective

Underscores a sense of hopelessness about the future.

FAQs

How can I use "pessimistic mood" in a sentence?

You can use "pessimistic mood" to describe a general feeling of negativity, such as: "The economic downturn cast a "pessimistic mood" over the entire country."

What are some alternatives to "pessimistic mood"?

Alternatives include "negative frame of mind", "gloomy outlook", or "despondent state", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "pessimistic mood" or "optimistic mood"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Pessimistic mood" describes a negative outlook, while the opposite, "optimistic mood", describes a positive outlook. The choice depends on the context.

What causes a "pessimistic mood"?

A "pessimistic mood" can be caused by various factors, including economic hardship, political instability, personal setbacks, or a combination of these. It reflects a general lack of hope or confidence in the future.