mindfulness

noun

mind·​ful·​ness ˈmīn(d)-fəl-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being mindful

2

: the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis

also : such a state of awareness

Synonyms

• advertence
• advertency
• attention
• awareness
• cognizance
• consciousness
• ear
• eye
• heed
• knowledge
• note
• notice
• observance
• observation

Examples of mindfulness in a Sentence

his mindfulness of his limited education made him ill at ease around academics

Recent Examples on the Web

By focusing on one specific activity rather than general leisure, the study revealed how knitting promotes mindfulness, sparks creativity and even encourages social connection — whether through community groups or online forums. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Urge surfing is a mindfulness tool used to help people with addictions cope with cravings without acting on them. —Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025

The first group continued their existing treatment regimens, while the second took an eight-week mindfulness stress reduction course. —Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025

Incorporate mindfulness like journaling, meditation or prayer into your life. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1