French word

défaitiste

Pronunciation

IPA/defetist/

Meaning

  • adjectivepessimistic

Example

Elle est trop défaitiste.

She is too pessimistic.

Illustration for défaitiste (pessimistic)

More examples

Ton attitude défaitiste décourage tout le monde.

Your defeatist attitude discourages everyone.

Core concept

A stance that lowers commitment because failure already seems decided.

Common phrases

  • attitude défaitiste

    defeatist attitude

  • esprit défaitiste

    defeatist mindset

Similar words

pessimiste: Habitually expecting poor outcomes and viewing the future pessimistically.
résigné: Accepting an unfavorable situation and no longer trying to change it.
découragé: Having lost hope or confidence and feeling ready to stop trying.

Definition in French

Qui anticipe la défaite et réduit son engagement ou son effort par manque de confiance.

Word origin

French built défaitiste from défaite and the productive suffix -iste to name someone or an attitude linked to defeat.

Usage tips

  • Défaitiste often sounds critical when applied to a person, whereas pessimiste can describe a general outlook more neutrally.

Other meanings

  • defeatistnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word