1. (n.) The opinion or doctrine that everything in nature is ordered for or tends to the worst -- opposed to optimism\.

2. (n.) A disposition to take the least hopeful view of things.

Schmerz Slough of Despond anxiety apprehension blank despondency cliff-hanging cynicism death wish defeatism dejectedness dejection depression despair despondency despondentness discouragement disheartenment dismalness dispiritedness down trip downcastness downer downheartedness dread drooping spirits expectant waiting gloominess gloomy outlook heartlessness hopelessness low spirits lowness lowness of spirit malaise malism negativism nihilism oppression retreatism self-destructive urge sinking heart spiritlessness suicidal despair suspense taedium vitae uncertainty uncheerfulness waiting weariness of life