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

Denial of Victim Another justification found in the study is denial of victim—a mindset where cheaters believe that their partners deserved to be cheated on—which was cited by eight women and two men. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

In This Article Items That No Longer Work for You Items That Don’t Make You Happy Sentimental Clutter Redundant Items Just-In-Case Things Change your mindset. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024

Many seem to be stuck in that outdated mindset that autonomous driving was an easy problem to solve and that fully driverless cars were on the cusp of taking over the world. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2024

Between the lines: Conspiracy theories continue to shape some voters' mindsets. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024

Plante, the California psychologist, said the easiest way to avoid a meltdown is to change your mindset. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024

Research has shown that people who hold a positive stress mindset, which means stress is a challenge to be embraced, are more productive, focus better, feel more motivated at their jobs and are less likely to consider new work opportunities due to stress. —Morgan Smith, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024

More to Read Dave Roberts wants struggling Mookie Betts to embrace a different mindset Oct. 7, 2024 Did Dodgers fans motivate Padres to win Game 2? —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

For Wong, dating is purely about her own desires, a mindset most of her civilian peers will view as aspirational escapism rather than a realistic model. —Variety, NBC News, 9 Oct. 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