single-minded

adjective

sin·​gle-mind·​ed ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈmīn-dəd How to pronounce single-minded (audio)
ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˌmīn-
: having one driving purpose or resolve : determined, dedicated
single-mindedly adverb
single-mindedness noun

Examples of single-minded in a Sentence

every successful reform movement has been spearheaded by a single-minded activist who refused to accept defeat
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But his obituaries were single-minded about his achievements. Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 Win McNamee/Getty Images North America The Federal Reserve moved aggressively Wednesday to start cutting interest rates as its single-minded focus on fighting inflation gives way to a growing interest in protecting the job market. Scott Horsley, NPR, 18 Sep. 2024 John Oswald has dedicated his life to scientific research and has journeyed to Panama in single-minded pursuit of one goal: eliminating malaria. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 15 Sep. 2024 In part, Gates regrets his single-minded focus, which kept him — and his employees — from enjoying a sense of work-life balance. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for single-minded 

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-minded was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near single-minded

Cite this Entry

“Single-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-minded. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

single-minded

adjective
sin·​gle-mind·​ed
-ˈmīn-dəd
: having only one purpose : determined
a single-minded devotion to stopping crime
single-mindedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on single-minded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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