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What is another word for Defeatism? – 165 Defeatism Synonyms

    Need another word for Defeatism? Use these synonyms of Defeatism from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    pessimism hopelessness despair despondency gloom discouragement demoralization resignation surrender capitulation submission acquiescence compliance submissiveness meekness weakness powerlessness helplessness futility ineffectiveness inadequacy ineptness uselessness faintheartedness spinelessness cowardice timidity fearfulness apprehensiveness anxiety nervousness unease misgiving doubt skepticism cynicism negativism nihilism fatalism defeat failure losing collapse downfall ruin destruction.

    Meaning of Defeatism

    The primary meaning of the word "Defeatism" is a feeling of hopelessness and lack of enthusiasm, leading to a tendency to accept defeat without resistance.

    Definitions

    • The acceptance of defeat or failure without resistance or struggle
    • A negative or pessimistic attitude, especially one that leads to a lack of effort or enthusiasm
    • A philosophy or policy of accepting defeat or failure, often characterized by a lack of confidence or faith in one's abilities

    Etymology of Defeatism

    The word "Defeatism" originated in the late 19th century, derived from the noun "defeat" and the suffix "-ism", which forms a noun indicating a doctrine or practice
    The term gained popularity during World War I, particularly in France, where it was used to describe the pessimistic and defeatist attitudes of some soldiers and civilians

    Example Uses

    • The team's defeatism after a few losses led to a downward spiral in their performance
    • The politician's defeatist attitude towards the economy was criticized by her opponents
    • The company's defeatism in the face of financial difficulties led to a lack of innovation and investment

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    optimism hopefulness confidence enthusiasm eagerness zeal determination resolve courage bravery fearlessness boldness daring audacity positivism constructivism opportunism pragmatism realism activism dynamism energy vitality strength power effectiveness success triumph victory winning achievement accomplishment.

    Related Nouns

    pessimist pessimism defeat failure loss downfall collapse ruin destruction despair despondency gloom discouragement demoralization resignation surrender submission acquiescence compliance submissiveness meekness weakness powerlessness helplessness futility ineffectiveness inadequacy ineptness uselessness.

    Related Verbs

    surrender submit acquiesce comply yield give up lose fail collapse ruin destroy demoralize discourage dishearten depress dismay intimidate weaken undermine sabotage thwart hinder obstruct resist oppose fight struggle strive endeavor persevere.

    Related Adjectives

    pessimistic hopeless despairing despondent gloomy discouraged demoralized resigned submissive compliant meek weak powerless helpless futile ineffective inadequate inept useless negative cynical skeptical fatalistic nihilistic destructive disastrous calamitous catastrophic.