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learned helplessness

British  

noun

  1. the act of giving up trying as a result of consistent failure to be rewarded in life, thought to be a cause of depression

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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In a pathetic display of learned helplessness, California business leaders have collaborated in their own abasement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Such learned helplessness would be a serious mistake.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025

Over the last several decades, neuroscientists in the field have begun to better understand how the concept of learned helplessness relates to resiliency.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2025

You’re not the first person who has used the term learned helplessness.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2025

A local psychologist is finishing a lecture on how to overcome "learned helplessness" and believe you have the power to change your life.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

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