Over the past several months, the United States has seen a gradual erosion of optimism regarding the American dream, an aspirational ideal that has long symbolized the nation’s potential for upward mobility. A recent Wall Street Journal-NORC poll of adults conducted between July 10 and 23, 2025, has shed light on the growing disillusionment, revealing that 31% of respondents believe the American dream still holds true today. This is the lowest level of belief captured in the survey’s extensive history, with 46% indicating that the dream once held but no longer does, and 23% believing the concept has never been valid. These sentiments, representing a combined 70% of respondents, mark the highest level of pessimism in nearly 15 years of polling. The survey’s methodology notes that the overall margin of error is +/- 3.39 percentage points, with a 95% confidence level, indicating a statistically significant trend toward skepticism.
Among the most pressing economic concerns highlighted by the survey is the rising cost of groceries, with many Americans expressing severe worry about food prices. Nearly half of respondents — 28% extremely concerned and 28% very concerned — reported significant anxiety over the cost of food, with 30% indicating they were somewhat concerned. This concern has led many to seek out more affordable alternatives, with 66% stating they have switched to cheaper products to cut down on grocery expenses in the past year. However, only 33% indicated that they had not done so, showing the growing financial pressures placed on households. These figures suggest a shift in consumer behavior driven by economic hardship, further contributing to the sense of economic stagnation.
One of the most striking findings of the survey is the declining confidence in the ability to improve one’s standard of living. Only 25% of respondents indicated that they believe people like them and their families have a good chance of increasing their standard of living, with just 6% strongly agreeing. This is the lowest such figure since 1987, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, highlighting a deepening sense of disillusionment with the American dream. The survey also revealed that a large majority — 58% — believe it has become significantly more difficult to purchase a home compared to their parents’ generation, suggesting that housing affordability has become a major barrier to upward mobility. This sentiment is particularly troubling as home ownership is often seen as a key component of financial stability and wealth accumulation.
Despite the widespread pessimism, some political figures and leaders are attempting to offer a counter-narrative. The newly appointed chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) has emphasized the United States’ exceptionalism, advocating for policies that could potentially reignite faith in the American dream. This stance suggests a belief that the nation’s unique characteristics and economic potential can overcome current challenges. At the same time, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are vocalizing their skepticism about the traditional narrative of the American dream. Many from this demographic are expressing a sense of alienation from the system, calling for a reevaluation of what it means to succeed in the modern economy and how the current structure can be made more inclusive and equitable.