defeatist
dih-FEE-tist
/dɪˈfiː.tɪst/
Demonstrating an expectation or acceptance of failure before attempting an endeavor.
Carries a critical connotation, censuring someone for giving up too easily.
The story behind the word. The word emerged during World War I in France as défaitisme, describing citizens or soldiers who advocated surrendering because they believed victory was impossible. English adopted the noun and adjective soon after to designate anyone whose mindset guarantees failure before the fight even begins.
Word relationships
- pessimistic: Pessimistic expects bad outcomes, while defeatist surrenders to failure before trying.
- alarmist: Alarmist causes unnecessary fear, whereas defeatist spreads helpless submission.
- optimistic: Optimistic anticipates successful results.
- tenacious: Tenacious describes holding on persistently despite obstacles.
Commonly confused with
- defeated: Defeated means having suffered a loss; defeatist means expecting loss in advance.
Word family
- defeatism (noun): Acceptance of failure as inevitable.
Collocations
- defeatist attitude
- defeatist mindset
- defeatist rhetoric
- adopt a defeatist stance
Idioms & expressions
- throw in the towel
- wave the white flag
Example sentences
- "The coach scolded the players for their defeatist attitude after falling behind early in the game." Team leadership
- "Critics dismissed the proposal as defeatist, arguing that victory was still achievable with hard work." Political debate
Memory hook
A defeatist accepts DEFEAT before the test starts. Surrendering before the battle begins.
When not to use
Do not confuse with realistic; defeatism actively invites failure through premature surrender.
Fun facts
- In wartime military law, spreading defeatist propaganda was considered a treasonous offense punishable by court-martial.
Explore more words
despondent, fainthearted, culpable, fatalism, forlorn, appeasement
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