pessimist

This term describes an individual whose outlook is characterized by a persistent expectation of failure or misfortune. It carries a heavy psychological weight, often suggesting a mindset of defeatism or a cynical approach to future events. While it can be used neutrally to describe a philosophical stance, it frequently implies a lack of hope or an irritating tendency to dampen the enthusiasm of others.

In social dynamics, the word is often positioned as the direct antonym to optimist. It describes a cognitive bias where the subject focuses exclusively on negative outcomes, creating a mental framework that prioritizes risk and loss over potential gain or success.