mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

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

But that mindset is outdated and increasingly expensive. —Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

That mindset does not stay confined to the therapy office. —Jonathan Alpert, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

But like any socialized behavior, this mindset can be unlearned. —Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Newcastle were short of midfield cover, and Ramsey, with his dynamism, athleticism and positive, attacking mindset, gives them a fresh option. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mindset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit