Miserabilism

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmɪzɹəbÉ™lɪz(É™)m/

Alternative forms

• miserablism

Origin

From German Miserabilismus, French misérabilisme, corresponding to miserable + -ism.

Full definition of miserabilism

Noun

1. A tendency to take a miserable or pessimistic view on life; a consistently miserable outlook, negativity.
• 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin 2003, p. 267:Parlementary ideas invariably evinced that most thoroughgoing national miserabilism which had impressed poor Damiens ....
• 2009, May 15, Manohla Dargis, A Less Crowded Cannes, and Perhaps a Silver Lining, A beautiful-looking slice of British miserabilism, “Fish Tank” traces what happens to a 15-year-old (Katie Jarvis) when her mother’s boyfriend moves into the family’s cramped flat, a story that can be summed up by the lyrics, sung by Nas, that portentously bring the accumulated bleak moments to a close: “Life’s a bitch and then you die.”