mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

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

Make Experimentation Part of Your Company Values Promote a mindset of experimentation and innovation that involves exploring new ideas, testing innovative solutions and embracing calculated risks, and then promote the establishment of cross-functional teams to tackle challenges collaboratively. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2024

After all, your celestial ruler, Saturn, will be stationing retrograde soon after, prompting you to re-assess everything from your communication style to your mindset. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

Dodgers Hernández: Why the evolution of Walker Buehler remains a ‘process’ June 13, 2024 After swinging through one slider in a 2-and-1 count, then fouling off another on the very next pitch, Heyward simplified his mindset at the plate. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024

This mindset is further exacerbated by several years of limited contact with family, friends, and co-workers due to the pandemic. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 June 2024

Their new mindsets could have ripple effects from the dining room and beyond at The Bear. —EW.com, 15 June 2024

And Aaron’s unparalleled grasp of story, filmmaker friendly approach and innovative mindset have been key drivers in our success to date. —Peter White, Deadline, 14 June 2024

The Church should make an effort to move away from the prevailing antiquated mindset. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024

In fact, the goalkeeper mindset runs in the Beaudry bloodline — his dad once wore the gloves himself. —Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit