Meaning & Definition of word "Defeatist"
Defeatist
/dɪˈfiːtɪst/
noun:
- 1. A person who expects or is resigned to defeat; someone who believes that failure is inevitable.
- Example: Despite the challenges the team faced, I refused to be a defeatist and remained optimistic about our chances.
- 2. A person who adopts a pessimistic attitude towards success or victory.
- Example: Her defeatist outlook often discouraged her friends from pursuing their dreams.
adjective:
- 1. Of or relating to the beliefs or attitudes of a defeatist.
- Example: His defeatist attitude made it difficult for the group to stay motivated during tough times.
- 2. Characterized by a tendency to expect failure; pessimistic.
- Example: She had a defeatist mindset that hindered her ability to take risks and try new things.
Etymology
●From defeat + -ist, referring to someone who is defeatist in attitude.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of defeatist
Meaning: Downer
● Example Sentence: Stop being such a downer and look on the bright side!
Meaning: Gloomy Gus
● Example Sentence: Why do you always have to be a Gloomy Gus at the party?