adjective

cynical

/ˈsɪnɪkəl/ · say it: SIN·uh·kuhl

distrusting the motives of others

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) believing that people are selfish and that good things will not happen

2. (adjective) showing distrust or doubt about something

Examples

1. After years of failed promises, he became cynical about politics.
2. She had a cynical view of their chances of winning the competition.

How to use cynical

Cynical describes a negative outlook rooted in belief that people are primarily motivated by self-interest and that good outcomes are unlikely. It differs from skeptical, which simply means questioning or not easily convinced, and from pessimistic, which focuses on expecting bad results. Cynicism can be expressed through dismissive remarks about human nature or through doubt about whether something worthwhile will actually happen.

Common phrases

cynical attitude
cynical remarks
cynical view
deeply cynical
grow cynical

Synonyms

skeptical · distrustful · pessimistic · jaded · misanthropic

Opposites

optimistic · trusting · idealistic

Word family

cynic (noun) · cynicism (noun) · cynically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use cynical to mean merely sarcastic or mocking, but cynicism is deeper—it reflects a fundamental belief about human nature or likelihood, not just a joking tone.

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