Definition

A way of thinking where a person believes that failure is inevitable and does not try to change the situation.

Example

His defeatism prevented him from taking any action to improve his circumstances.

Conversation

I feel like some people just give up too easily, you know?

Yeah, I've seen a lot of defeatism lately.

It's frustrating because it stops them from trying their best.

Totally, a positive mindset can make such a difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defeatism is formed from "defeat" (from Old French *defaite*, meaning failure or loss) and "-ism" (a suffix used to denote a practice or philosophy). The word refers to a belief or attitude that accepts defeat as inevitable or promotes a sense of resignation to failure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'defeat' as a failure and '-ism' as a belief system — defeatism is the belief that failure is unavoidable.

Visually Confused Words