defeatism
noun
de·feat·ism
di-ˈfē-ˌti-zəm 
dē-
: an attitude of accepting, expecting, or being resigned to defeat
Examples of defeatism in a Sentence
We must not give in to defeatism. We must be optimistic.
Recent Examples on the Web
When one is tasked with making a decision, particularly those large-scale in nature that yield decidedly good or decidedly bad results, that individual may opt for defeatism and make no decision at all.
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Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Biden was compelled not by any fair comparison to the character and record of the Republican nominee, but by how polls had spread defeatism and panic among other party leaders, down-ballot Democrats and major donors.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2024
But Newbury believes that this inevitable incumbency effect has been compounded by a sense of apathy and defeatism in the sector.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Europe, 3 July 2024
What a mix of cruelty, defeatism, conspiracy-mongering and political servility.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defeatism 
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Biden was compelled not by any fair comparison to the character and record of the Republican nominee, but by how polls had spread defeatism and panic among other party leaders, down-ballot Democrats and major donors.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2024
But Newbury believes that this inevitable incumbency effect has been compounded by a sense of apathy and defeatism in the sector.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Europe, 3 July 2024
What a mix of cruelty, defeatism, conspiracy-mongering and political servility.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for defeatism
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Dictionary Entries Near defeatism
Cite this Entry
“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defeatism. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
defeatism
noun
de·feat·ism
di-ˈfēt-ˌiz-əm
: an attitude of expecting defeat or of accepting defeat with the belief that further effort would be useless
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