negativism

noun

neg·​a·​tiv·​ism ˈne-gə-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce negativism (audio)
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism especially about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
negativist noun or adjective
negativistic adjective

Examples of negativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024 That’s important in our current vortex of negativism. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023 Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite. Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023 On a dangerous mindset; Pence and Social Security; ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’; the octogenarian Harrison Ford; and more NR Daily is delivered right to you every afternoon. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023 The predictable fruits of this relentless negativism were undermotivated voters on both sides, with California-13 registering some of the lowest turnout in the country for a toss-up race. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 9 Feb. 2023 There have not been as many nattering nabobs of negativism around Belichick since the days after the Chiefs pantsed the Patriots, 41-14, on national television in Week 4 of the 2014 season. Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2022 The winner will be the side that is best able to withstand these drumbeats of negativism. David A. Andelman, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022 The upbeat tone and pervasive kindness of this comedy has elicited raves at a time when negativism surrounds us. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Dec. 2021

Word History

Etymology

negative entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of negativism was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near negativism

Cite this Entry

“Negativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negativism. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

negativism

noun
neg·​a·​tiv·​ism ˈneg-ət-iv-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce negativism (audio)
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked

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