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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Power of Gratitude and Self-Compassion Gratitude and self-compassion are powerful tools that can transform your mindset at year’s end. Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Traveling and exploring is so important for shaping character—integrity, mindset, and more. Essence, 12 Dec. 2024 Read on to get a taste of Maya's mindset in an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The team’s pattern of drafting college hitters who should move quickly says that that is not their mindset, so go spend some of Arte’s money. Keith Law, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024 Ballooning costs have played a large role in a changing mindset, according to Candi Clouse, a vice president at Implan. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 There’s also a pair of episodes telling the oral history of the project and Cole’s mindset at that point in his career. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2024 One of the most important ways to help your child succeed is to promote a positive, can-do mindset. Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024 That'd be a rarity in today's college game with top picks, but Coach Prime has a different mindset. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024

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 21 Dec. 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
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