mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset How to pronounce mindset (audio)
variants or less commonly mind-set
plural mindsets also mind-sets
1
: a mental attitude or inclination
politicians trying to determine the mindset of voters
It isn't only the freshness of the fruit that makes breakfast in California restaurants outstanding. It's an attitude, a morning mindset, a desire to start the day in a leisurely, luxurious manner.Jane and Michael Stern
2
: a fixed state of mind
His mind-set does not allow for new situations.
The German military thought they were being honorable, and this wasn't an excuse—this was their complete mindset.William Vollman

Examples of mindset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Commit to Lifelong Learning A true success mindset requires continuous learning. Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025 On January 14, the princess shared the news with a heartfelt message that reiterated her positive mindset. Vogue, 3 Feb. 2025 Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has made a huge impact this season on the team’s attitude, too, instilling a mindset through more grueling practice habits and a hard line of high expectations. Pat Leonard, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2025 Every decision made in 248 Arlington now includes every tenant—and building a community mindset among all those living in the building ensures that interpersonal battles don’t get in the way of creating a space that everyone feels comfortable in. Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 2 Feb. 2025 The mindset of local tastemakers and citizens channels a determination to keep this West Coast city sustainable, food-driven, vibrant, and always innovative. Amanda Calnan Vowels, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025 Swope similarly holds that focus-on-the-present mindset but with an eye toward what’s coming. Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025 Keep that positive mindset and your snake return year can be one of the best years of your life. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Morgan's clip has been viewed almost 60,000 times and received dozens of comments, many of whom have the same mindset as her. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near mindset

Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

mindset

noun
mind·​set
variants also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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