(transitive) To take a pessimistic view of; to speak of in a negative or pessimistic way.

A pessimism or weariness over the chances of solving the political and social problems that Africa faces.

An attitude that sees sociocultural changes (in general or in the present situation) as predominantly tending towards a less moral, less constructive, or generally worse state of affairs; particularly, the idea that at some point civilisations and cultures reach a peak after which they must inevitably decline.