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.
To truly shift mindsets, employees had to experience the technology firsthand, build confidence through hands-on use, and see its value in their own work. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 The consequences of this anti-build, anti-solution mindset are enormous. Rob Sisson and Danielle Franz, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 The right one for you depends on your mindset, financial habits, and long-term goals. Christina Majaski, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Its members—the bulk of American farmers—largely adhered to the same mindset. ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025 With the Bulls, his improved accuracy mirrors an improved mindset. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 Offering an incentive to get borrowers back in the right mindset could go a long way. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 This mindset goes beyond just handling pressure on set. Michaela Zee, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 Savage also spoke about the psychological aspects of aging, emphasizing that mindset and community play a significant role in longevity. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

mindset

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

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