fatalism

[ feyt-l-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the acceptance of all things and events as inevitable; submission to fate:

   Her fatalism helped her to face death with stoic calm.

2. Philosophy. the doctrine that all events are subject to fate or inevitable predetermination.

fatalism

/ ˈfeɪtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the philosophical doctrine that all events are predetermined so that man is powerless to alter his destiny
2. the acceptance of and submission to this doctrine
3. a lack of effort or action in the face of difficulty

Derived Forms

• ˈfatalist, noun
• ˌfatalˈistic, adjective
• ˌfatalˈistically, adverb

Other Words From

• fa·tal·ist noun adjective
• fa·tal·is·tic [feyt-l-, is, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fatalism¹

First recorded in 1670–80; fatal + -ism

Example Sentences

This deeply perilous time requires realism — but not fatalism.

From Salon

But does fatalism blind us to what California’s role needs to be right now and what it can do to move the world forward?

From Los Angeles Times

This potent mix of fatalism and hopelessness has led to a loss of faith in our neighbors, our institutions and our dreams for the future.

From Los Angeles Times

Climate Week wants to cut the fatalism that often surrounds the subject of climate change with fun and exciting experiences.

From Los Angeles Times

Harbaugh’s personality can be felt in every corner of the Chargers’ new training facility in El Segundo, enough to where the fatalism that once permeated this franchise has vanished overnight.

From Los Angeles Times