The opposite of optimism.

Also known as "cautious realism".
If you aren't feeling pessimism, you aren't paying attention.
by skyblack January 14, 2005
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adj.

least desirable; the opposite of optimal
A steak knife is probably the pessimal piece of silverware for drinking soup.
by Itsatrap March 3, 2004
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1. The act of totally destroying hope.
2. To state depressing facts that make a person or group want to die.
3. The act of creating emos through despressing speeches.
Jim - How was health class?
Tom - We learned about the risks involved with any food we eat...I think I'm just going to finish what everything I do has started and kill myself.
Jim - Dude, you just got pessimated...
by Sir Brad January 30, 2008
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(1.)The point of not caring about anyone or anything, and if tries to convince you otherwise, you fully disagree using examples. You only say the negative side, as you see the world as: over populated by idiots, and stupidity running rampant.

(2.)The point reached right before the office worker comes in with Molotov cocktails and an AK-47.

(3.)Caused by everything in someone's life fucking them over since birth.
1.)You have a really nice life, glad your creationist parents raised you to par. I honestly don't care though, you can take your faith and intimately shove it.
Because, even if I was to win the lottery, I would just spend it on leveling an entire city.
Humanity is F'd.
(listener):Well aren't you just bursting with apathetic pessimism!

2.)... you have an idea.

3.)Example - Family murder, Siblings killing each other, Family members dying, Failing at every thing you have ever attempted.
by kamel_reds February 14, 2009
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Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Optimistic pessimism is a great way to live your life, because you can't lose.

People who argue that optimistic pessimism - or any kind of pessimism for that matter - is a self fulfilling argument are just naive irrational pseudo-philosophical hippies.
by I hate optimists April 25, 2010
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telling yourself that the outcome of a situation will undoubtedly be pleasant; when knowing that the truth is that it will not, so that your artificial smile and laughter will not and cannot be undistinguished between true and false. ultimately living a "happy" and "carefree" lifestyle that many people envy, not knowing that you are as miserable as they are. you just dont show it in public as they do. your glass has water in it. whether it is half full or half empty doesnt matter, but there's water in it and it's constantly getting filled and consumed
by Jeremy Beck February 12, 2008
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An educated urbanite who is aware of the possible negative consequences that may be encountered in city life and therefore conducts self responsibly.
A woman that chooses not to wear headphones or talk on her cell phone while walking home at night exudes realistic pessimism.
by cleverlady April 19, 2011
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