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 Defeating defeatism is at the heart of Kuma’s philosophy. — Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026 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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for defeatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeatism
  1. pessimism
  2. resignation
Noun
  • Americans are deeply divided and intensely polarized, with pessimism at or near a multidecade high.
    — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • The most effective way to shift from pessimism to optimism is to stop consuming chaos passively and start creating measurable progress daily.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of pessimism
Noun
  • The price of this World Cup is crushing The moment FIFA announced the price points for the tickets to attend any of these World Cup matches, the responses ranged from rage to anger to resignation.
    — Mac Engel July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
  • After four years of war, life in Lukianivka, the most frequently hit part of the Ukrainian capital, is a mix of adaptability and endurance, defiance and denial, resignation and resilience.
    — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
Definition of resignation

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defeatism
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Cite this Entry

“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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