negative attitude — unhelpful way of thinking
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A negative attitude is when someone usually expects bad things to happen or focuses on problems instead of solutions.
Say it like a native
Textbook He maintains a consistently pessimistic disposition.
Native He's got such a negative attitude.
'Pessimistic disposition' is clinical; 'negative attitude' is the everyday pairing.
Pattern: have/show/develop a negative attitude (towards something)
In use
- If you have a negative attitude, it can be hard to enjoy new experiences.daily life
- In my opinion, having a negative attitude at work can affect not only your own performance but also your colleagues.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Don't be so negativity.
✓ Don't be so negative.
'Negative' is the adjective; 'negativity' is the noun (all the negativity).
Common collocations
a negative attitude— a negative attitude, towards, have, such a
Don't confuse it
Contrast with 'positive attitude,' which means focusing on good outcomes and solutions.