cynicism
/ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪzəm/noun
An attitude of distrust toward people's motives or sincerity.
Example sentences
- “His cynicism made it hard for him to accept a genuine compliment.”
- “There is growing public cynicism about politicians and their promises.”
From the Cynics, ancient Greek philosophers who scorned convention; the modern distrustful sense grew out of their reputation.