defeatism

Definition

Acceptance of defeat without struggle.

Etymology

From defeat + -ism, after French défaitisme, coined in 1915 by Russian writer Grigorij Aleksinskij as a translation of Russian пораже́нчество (poražénčestvo), also coined by him as a derivation of порази́ть (porazítʹ, “to strike, defeat”).

Example Sentences

• "Objective assessment is good, but defeatism will reduce our potentials even when the prospects for victory have never been nearer."