defeatism

noun

Definition of defeatismnext
as in pessimism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defeatism Yet Hiller’s latest equivocating mea culpa, with the now-familiar language of hardship and defeatism so unbecoming of a professional hockey team, rang unconvincing. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 And yet, as the deadline loomed, there were also legitimate reasons to temper such defeatism. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2025 By contrast, maybe such language engenders a sense of defeatism, a belief in the inevitability of collapse which is collectively paralyzing. — Ed Simon september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 This state of mind is defeatism in disguise, capitulating to discord, disorder, and defeat without even joining the battle. — Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeatism
  1. pessimism
  2. resignation
Noun
  • What to do instead None of this is an argument for pessimism.
    — Jon Sabes, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The full story covers all 32 teams, with plenty of pessimism for the Falcons, Commanders and Browns.
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pessimism
Noun
  • As the commission moved toward a vote on the plan, there was a certain resignation among the ballroom skeptics, who knew that they were outnumbered.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Even with Lombardi’s resignation, the probe launched by UNC’s Office of University Counsel will proceed, the school confirmed.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of resignation

Browse Nearby Words

defeating
defeatism
defeatist
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Cite this Entry

“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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