What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defeatism
Example
His defeatism prevented him from even trying to apply for the job. [defeatism: noun]
Example
She was accused of spreading defeatism among her teammates. [defeatism: noun]
pessimism
Example
He had a pessimistic view of the world and its future. [pessimistic: adjective]
Example
Her pessimism made her reluctant to take risks or try new things. [pessimism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pessimism is more commonly used than defeatism in everyday language. Pessimism is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while defeatism is less common and more specific to situations where success seems unlikely.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defeatism and pessimism?
Both defeatism and pessimism are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
