defeatist

1 of 2

noun

de·​feat·​ist -fētə̇st How to pronounce defeatist (audio)
-ētə̇-
plural -s
Synonyms of defeatistnext
: one who believes in, advocates, or is affected with defeatism : one who concedes defeat too readily

defeatist

2 of 2

adjective

"
: characterized by defeatism
there was a defeatist attitude about the proposal
such talk is plainly defeatist

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French défaitiste, from défaite defeat + -iste -ist

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defeatist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defeatist. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on defeatist

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!