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

However, that is part of the mindset that has helped Johnnie Walker thrive over the last several decades. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Other emerging networks are adapting this mindset as well, from Rove tapping independent grocer Gelson’s to open a premium convenience store to Rivian’s Adventure Network popping up near national parks. —Andrew Cornelia, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024

The same mindset appears today in the national differences between company total return ratios: The sum of dividend payments and share buybacks as a percentage of net income averaged 83% for U.S. companies in 2022, but just 29% for Japanese companies. —Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024

Everything to Know About Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius Scorpio risings' personality traits and mindset Thomas explains that unlike Scorpio Sun placements — who are typically born between Oct. 23 through Nov. 21 — Scorpio risings' placement is determined by their birth time. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Is there a way out of that mindset for people like Musk and his fans? —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024

The Mel Robbins Podcast launched in 2022 and sees Robbins drawing on her personal experiences to offer listeners lessons on mindset, relationships, habits, health and life improvement. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024

Or can this team play well enough to fully shift the duo’s mindset to the opportunity at hand this season? —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024

Denial of Victim Another justification found in the study is denial of victim—a mindset where cheaters believe that their partners deserved to be cheated on—which was cited by eight women and two men. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit