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defeatist mentality

[dɪˈfiːtɪst menˈtælɪti]
nounpl: defeatist mentalities
mentalidade derrotista
1. A psychological attitude characterized by the belief that failure is inevitable and that one's efforts will be futile, leading to resignation and lack of effort.
His defeatist mentality prevented him from even attempting the challenging project.
Sua mentalidade derrotista o impediu de sequer tentar o projeto desafiador.
2. A negative mindset that assumes defeat before trying, resulting in reduced motivation and performance.
The team struggled because of the coach's defeatist mentality.
O time teve dificuldades por causa da mentalidade derrotista do técnico.
NYC Slang
loser mentality / giving up before you start
Synonyms
fatalismpessimismnegativitylearned helplessnessatitude de rendiçãopensamento derrotista
Antonyms
optimismresiliencedeterminationpositive thinkingcan-do attitudementalidade vencedoradeterminação

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mentalidade derrotista
Most common and widely understood term
São Paulo
mentalidade derrotista / atitude de derrota
Standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'atitude de derrota'
Rio de Janeiro
mentalidade derrotista / pensamento derrotista
Both terms are used interchangeably
Portugal
mentalidade derrotista / atitude de rendição
Standard Portuguese usage, 'atitude de rendição' emphasizes surrender aspect

Related Idioms & Phrases

throw in the towel
admit defeat
wave the white flag
give up the ghost
baixar a guarda
jogar a toalha
render-se antes da luta
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