Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of mind or attitude characterized by the acceptance of defeat as inevitable before making a sufficient effort: Defeatism is the acceptance of the expectation of failure, often leading to a lack of effort or resistance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The general warned against defeatism, urging his troops to maintain hope and fight on.
  • Her constant defeatism made it difficult for the team to stay motivated for the project.

Advanced Usage

• "An air of defeatism": A pervasive atmosphere or feeling of expecting failure.
  • An air of defeatism hung over the company after the failed product launch.
• "To succumb to defeatism": To give in to the attitude of expecting defeat.
  • We must not succumb to defeatism; there is still a chance to win.

Variants and Related Words

• Defeatist (noun): A person who expects or accepts defeat readily.
  • He was labeled a defeatist for his pessimistic forecasts.
• Defeatist (adjective): Showing or characterized by defeatism.
  • His defeatist attitude was contagious and demoralizing.

Synonyms

• Pessimism: A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
• Resignation: The acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable.
• Fatalism: The belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.

Antonyms

• Optimism: Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.
• Confidence: The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
• Fortitude: Courage in pain or adversity.

Noun

1. acceptance of the inevitability of defeat