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

• 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

Koclanes said that he was honored to coach Bueckers and talked about how her mentality and approach as a teammate make her special. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025

His initial mentality is to be efficient while getting the necessary outs that are assigned. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025

Get away from monthly payment mentality A big mistake many car shoppers make is looking at the monthly cost of the vehicle. —Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025

This represents a fundamental shift in retail strategy, from the growth focused mentality of the past decade to a more defensive posture focused on protecting margins and operational control. —Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1691, 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