Is cynical negative or neutral in academic writing?

What is the difference between cynical and sceptical?

How do I use cynical in a sentence?

Is cynical commonly used in business English?

← Dictionary

cynical

/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Believing people act only for selfish reasons; distrustful of others' motives.

He gave a cynical laugh about the promises.
She is cynical about quick success.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: cynical is sharper than sceptical, suggesting distrust rather than healthy doubt. It differs from disillusioned, which focuses on lost faith, and from jaded, which describes weariness. Choose cynical when distrust of motives is central.

In other languages

Spanish: Cínico
Japanese: 疑うような
Korean: 회의적인
Vietnamese: Thủ hiếp
Chinese: 愤世嫉俗的

Common phrases

cynical about politicscynical outlooknot cynical but realistic

Synonyms

disillusioned jaded negative pessimistic sceptical

Frequently asked questions

Is cynical negative or neutral in academic writing?: Is cynical negative or neutral in academic writing?
What is the difference between cynical and sceptical?: What is the difference between cynical and sceptical?
How do I use cynical in a sentence?: How do I use cynical in a sentence?
Is cynical commonly used in business English?: Is cynical commonly used in business English?