Defeatism: meaning, definitions and examples

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defeatism

[ dɪˈfiːtɪz(ə)m ]

^{Context #1}

attitude towards life

Defeatism is the acceptance of defeat without struggle, often accompanied by a negative outlook and lack of motivation.

Synonyms

despondency, pessimism, resignation

Examples of usage

His defeatism prevented him from even attempting to achieve his goals.
She was tired of his defeatism and wanted to inspire him to be more positive.
The defeatism in the team was palpable after losing their third game in a row.

Translations

Translations of the word "defeatism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 derrotismo

🇮🇳 पराजयवाद

🇩🇪 Defätismus

🇮🇩 defetisme

🇺🇦 дефетизм

🇵🇱 defetyzm

🇯🇵 敗北主義 (はいぼくしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 défaitisme

🇪🇸 derrotismo

🇹🇷 yenilgicilik

🇰🇷 패배주의 (패배주의)

🇸🇦 الانهزامية

🇨🇿 defetismus

🇸🇰 defetizmus

🇨🇳 失败主义 (失败主义)

🇸🇮 defetizem

🇮🇸 uppgjafarsinni

🇰🇿 жеңілушілік

🇬🇪 დამარცხების ნება

🇦🇿 məğlubiyyətçilik

🇲🇽 derrotismo

Word origin

The word 'defeatism' originated during World War I, when it was used to describe a negative attitude towards the war effort. It combines the root 'defeat' with the suffix '-ism', indicating a belief or doctrine. Over time, defeatism has come to be associated with a general attitude of pessimism and resignation in the face of challenges.