Defeatist Meaning in English
word
Definition
A defeatist is a person who expects or accepts failure and believes it is impossible to win or succeed. It can also describe a negative, giving-up attitude.
Usage & Nuances
Usually negative and sometimes used to criticize others for giving up too easily. Common with 'attitude' or 'thinking': 'defeatist attitude.' More formal or academic; rarely used in everyday spoken English outside of criticism or analysis.
Example Sentences
Don't be a defeatist; we still have a chance.
basic
His defeatist attitude made the whole team feel hopeless.
basic
People called him a defeatist because he always expected the worst.
basic
That sounds pretty defeatist—maybe try looking for solutions instead.
natural
"We'll never win anyway"—stop being so defeatist!
natural
Her defeatist thinking held her back from trying new things.
natural