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

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

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

We tend to get distracted by utopian visions or by a cynical fatalism that says, “Let’s just burn the whole thing down because nothing can improve it.”

From Nautilus

We’re in even deeper trouble if healthy cynicism tips into lazy fatalism.

From Time

Seasons upon seasons of coming up short can imbue a sense of fatalism in even the most optimistic supporters.

From FiveThirtyEight

Keong Sim narrates the book in a serene, resonant voice, capturing the author’s wry humor and feelings of awe and fatalism.

From Washington Post

Rather than sparking inspiration, it speaks of blatant fatalism about what is worth saving, a preference for the lofty and unpopulated … with delusions of innovation and heroism.

From Time

The dire fatalism that dominated the discourse then is gone, replaced largely with a practiced apathy.

From The Daily Beast

The Middle East was the source of an uncharacteristic vibe at Davos: fatalism.

From The Daily Beast

This is in marked contrast to the fatalism you see in places like Russia and China, where partisanship is frowned upon.

From The Daily Beast

It had had, he owned, its temporary value, as the necessary rebellion against fatalism and immobility and privilege.

From Project Gutenberg

Jarvis discarded his fatalism, as he caught at this loophole.

From Project Gutenberg

No fatalism is long proof against the call of love and June.

From Project Gutenberg

"The roses of Konopisht," he muttered, thinking of Marishka's fatalism.

From Project Gutenberg

He is accused of a leaning to fatalism, which he heartily denied, but which seems to follow from his logical conclusions.

From Project Gutenberg