mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity : intelligence

2

: mode or way of thought : outlook

… the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century.

—John Davies

Synonyms of mentality

• sense
• intelligence
• intellect
• reason

Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior

Recent Examples on the Web

Keller girls basketball coach Kate Goldberg shared a moment with her former star before the game and previously had gushed about her work ethic and mentality. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026

The Dolphins have backed that mentality up by adding two punters, two kickers and two long snappers to the 90 player roster heading into next week’s start of the offseason program. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

There's almost a 'prove-it' type of mentality. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

This is the anti-DEI mentality gone berserk. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mentality

• bunker mentality
• herd mentality
• siege mentality
• victim mentality

Rhymes for mentality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power : intelligence

2

: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity

2

: mode or way of thought