defeatist
Defeatist (adjective) means showing a readiness to accept failure or defeat without much of a fight. Example: “His defeatist attitude was dragging the whole team down.”
How to use defeatist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving up before really trying, or believing failure is inevitable.
Word forms
more defeatist comparative, defeatists plural, most defeatist superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ attitude was dragging the whole team down.
Etymology
From "defeat" plus the suffix -ist, modelled on French défaitiste, a term first used to describe those who wanted to give up during wartime.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for defeatist
See all rhymes for defeatist →Frequently asked questions
What does “defeatist” mean?
The word “defeatist” means showing a readiness to accept failure or defeat without much of a fight. In plain terms, giving up before really trying, or believing failure is inevitable.
How do you pronounce “defeatist”?
“Defeatist” is pronounced dih-FEE-tihst (/dɪˈfiːtɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “defeatist” in a sentence?
Here is “defeatist” used in a sentence: “His defeatist attitude was dragging the whole team down.”
What part of speech is “defeatist”?
Depending on how it is used, “defeatist” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “defeatist” come from?
The word “defeatist” comes from French. From "defeat" plus the suffix -ist, modelled on French défaitiste, a term first used to describe those who wanted to give up during wartime.
How many meanings does “defeatist” have?
“Defeatist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing a readiness to accept failure or defeat without much of a fight.