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 An Inefficient Industry Embrace a contrarian mindset to look for undervalued, out-of-favor and niche opportunities in inefficient industries. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Of course, dark feminine energy (DFE) is more of a mindset than an actual aesthetic. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024 To integrate a more playful mindset on their teams, leaders can use three strategies: 1) introducing short, playful activities, 2) designing physical spaces to encourage play, and 3) incorporating playfulness strategically. Duncan Wardle, Harvard Business Review, 16 Sep. 2024 With a sustainability mindset, local changes can influence the politicians and create the systemic change needed to get the biggest offenders under control. Alyssa Jaipersaud, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2024 Showing up every single Monday no matter what happened on Sunday ready to work and ready to approach and correct with an enthusiastic and forward-thinking mindset. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2024 Try to develop a growth mindset to build on your strengths and address your weaknesses. Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Sep. 2024 Those perceptions of a shifting consumer mindset was also evident in the analysis of early back-to-school shopping trends. Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 13 Sep. 2024 As an entrepreneur, embracing simplification requires a shift in mindset. Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mindset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near mindset

Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

mindset

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!