Question

Why is economics sometimes referred to as the dismal science

Answer 1

Answer:

That phrase is a derogatory alternative name for the economy coined by the Victorian historian Thomas Carlyle in the nineteenth century. The term created a contrast with the then familiar use of "la gaya ciencia" to refer to the composition of songs and verses

Answer 2

Because Thomas Carlyle who was a writer and philospher, made up the phrase that economics is  "dismal science" (dismal meaning depressing)  because he believed that humans are trapped in a world where population will always grow and limit natural resources and bring widespread misery.