as in pessimism
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Recent Examples of defeatism
And yet, as the deadline loomed, there were also legitimate reasons to temper such defeatism.
—
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2025
By contrast, maybe such language engenders a sense of defeatism, a belief in the inevitability of collapse which is collectively paralyzing.
—Ed Simon
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
This state of mind is defeatism in disguise, capitulating to discord, disorder, and defeat without even joining the battle.
—Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 25 July 2025
This defeatism has been supported by a second, equally pernicious assumption: that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to subjugating Ukraine cannot be deterred.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defeatism
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2025
By contrast, maybe such language engenders a sense of defeatism, a belief in the inevitability of collapse which is collectively paralyzing.
—Ed Simon
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
This state of mind is defeatism in disguise, capitulating to discord, disorder, and defeat without even joining the battle.
—Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 25 July 2025
This defeatism has been supported by a second, equally pernicious assumption: that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to subjugating Ukraine cannot be deterred.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for defeatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeatism
Noun
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The poll, conducted at the beginning of April, adds to a picture of economic gloom in the US, as Americans worry about the affordability of gas and other necessities and express pessimism about the job market.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Gallup’s findings on Americans’ mounting financial pessimism suggests many households already believe the economy is working against them instead of for them.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Desmond was not present, having submitted his letter of resignation April 20.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatism. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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