Defeatist: meaning, definitions and examples

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defeatist

 

[ dɪˈfiːtɪst ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

person's attitude

A defeatist is someone who is inclined to expect or accept defeat; someone who is pessimistic about the outcome of a situation.

Synonyms

downbeat person, negative thinker, pessimist

Examples of usage

  • He was labeled as a defeatist for always assuming the worst.
  • She adopted a defeatist attitude towards her upcoming exams.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude or behavior

Defeatist refers to an attitude or behavior that is excessively negative or pessimistic, especially in the face of challenges or difficulties.

Synonyms

cynical, despondent, hopeless

Examples of usage

  • His defeatist mindset prevented him from taking any risks.
  • The defeatist approach of the team led to their failure.

Translations

Translations of the word "defeatist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 derrotista

🇮🇳 पराजयवादी (parājayavādī)

🇩🇪 Defätist

🇮🇩 pesimistis

🇺🇦 поразник

🇵🇱 defetysta

🇯🇵 敗北主義者 (haiboku shugi-sha)

🇫🇷 défaitiste

🇪🇸 derrotista

🇹🇷 mağlubiyetçi

🇰🇷 패배주의자 (paebaejuui-ja)

🇸🇦 انهزامي (inhizāmi)

🇨🇿 defetista

🇸🇰 defetista

🇨🇳 失败主义者 (shībài zhǔyì zhě)

🇸🇮 defetist

🇮🇸 defetisti

🇰🇿 жеңілісшіл

🇬🇪 დამარცხებულობის მომხრე (damarcxebulobis momxre)

🇦🇿 məğlubiyyətçi

🇲🇽 derrotista

Word origin

The term 'defeatist' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the word 'defeat' with the suffix '-ist' added to indicate a person who embodies defeatism. The concept of defeatism has been studied in psychology and philosophy, focusing on the impact of negative thinking on individual behavior and outcomes.

See also: defeat, defeatable, defeated, defeating, defeatism, defeats, undefeatable.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,580 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.