Defeatist

/dɪˈfiːtɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who expects or is resigned to defeat; someone who believes that failure is inevitable.

Despite the challenges the team faced, I refused to be a defeatist and remained optimistic about our chances.

A person who adopts a pessimistic attitude towards success or victory.

Her defeatist outlook often discouraged her friends from pursuing their dreams.

adjective

Of or relating to the beliefs or attitudes of a defeatist.

His defeatist attitude made it difficult for the group to stay motivated during tough times.

Characterized by a tendency to expect failure; pessimistic.

She had a defeatist mindset that hindered her ability to take risks and try new things.

From defeat + -ist, referring to someone who is defeatist in attitude.

defeatist attitude

A mindset that expects failure and looks for the worst outcomes.

defeatist mentality

An approach where one accepts defeat without trying to change circumstances.

playing the defeatist

Acting in a manner that showcases resignation to failure.

defeatism

The acceptance of defeat as a way of life or attitude.

pessimism

A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

resignation

An acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable.

Downer

Stop being such a downer and look on the bright side!

Gloomy Gus

Why do you always have to be a Gloomy Gus at the party?