negativism

noun

neg·​a·​tiv·​ism ˈne-gə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

1

: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism especially about nearly everything affirmed by others

2

: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked

negativist

ˈne-gə-ti-vist 

noun or adjective

negativistic

ˌne-gə-ti-ˈvi-stik 

adjective

Examples of negativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This negativism and teen-like outbursts consequently discredit and tarnish the reputation of our country. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026

The negativism is there because that was part of it. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026

But all the nattering nabobs of negativism who’d normally have been concentrating on Maura’s catastrophic first term had to devote at least a little attention to recounting one of the Wu Klux Klan’s more embarrassing moments of 2025. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

This can create internal negativism or a fleeting depression. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 May 2025

Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite. — Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

negative entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for negativism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Medical Definition

negativism

noun

neg·​a·​tiv·​ism ˈneg-ət-iv-ˌiz-əm 

1

: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism about nearly everything affirmed by others

2

: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked