cynicism

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪnɪsɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; scepticism: public cynicism about politics
  • an inclination to question whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile; pessimism: cynicism about the future
  • 2 (Cynicism) a school of ancient Greek philosophers, the Cynics.