noun

fatalism

FAY-tuh-liz-uhm

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Fatalism (noun) means the belief that everything that happens is fixed in advance by fate and cannot be changed by human action. Example: “His fatalism made him shrug off the exam results as something beyond his control.”

noun

formal The belief that everything that happens is fixed in advance by fate and cannot be changed by human action.

"His fatalism made him shrug off the exam results as something beyond his control."

"The novel explores a kind of fatalism common in wartime, where people expect the worst."

"Philosophers have long debated whether fatalism leaves any room for genuine choice."

How to use fatalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFatalism is the outlook that whatever happens was always going to happen, so there is little point trying to change it.

When to use it

It is a formal, somewhat literary or philosophical word, not common in casual conversation.

Memory tip

Think of someone saying whatever will be, will be, that resigned attitude is fatalism.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a sense of fatalism fatalism about the future resigned fatalism shrug with fatalism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “fatalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ made him shrug off the exam results as something beyond his control.

Etymology

Fatalism was formed in English by adding the suffix -ism, which names a doctrine or belief system, to the word fatal.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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determinism predestination

Antonyms

free will

Related words

chance destiny determinism predestination foreordination kismet

Rhymes for fatalism

realism idealism globalism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism

See all rhymes for fatalism →

Frequently asked questions

What does fatalism mean?

It is the belief that events are already determined by fate and that people cannot change them, however they act.

Is fatalism the same as determinism?

The two are closely related and often used as near synonyms, both holding that outcomes are fixed rather than freely chosen.

What is the opposite of fatalism?

Free will is generally treated as its opposite, since it holds that people can genuinely choose and change outcomes.

What is the meaning of fatalism?

"fatalism" (noun) means the belief that everything that happens is fixed in advance by fate and cannot be changed by human action.

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chance destiny determinism predestination foreordination kismet