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Definition of defeatist

defeatist

/dɪˈfiːtɪst/
de · feat · ist
Plural:defeatists
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defeatist Lexical Profile

defeatist Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Demonstrating a readiness to accept failure without struggle, or expecting defeat before an effort has even been completed.

Example

"The coach warned the players that a defeatist attitude would practically guarantee a loss in the championship game."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who expects or overly readily accepts failure and gives up easily in the face of difficulty.

Example

"Refusing to be a defeatist, she revised her business proposal and pitched it to a new group of investors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for defeatist

• Rhymes for defeatist

• Nearby Words

defeatable
defeatedly
defeatism
defeatist
defecate
defecation
defect

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a loan translation of the French word 'défaitiste', which emerged during World War I to describe those who believed France was destined to lose the war.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Defeatist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/defeatist
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