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

This reflects a mindset that seemed common at the Gates Foundation, too, which awarded outstanding individuals annually. —Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 11 June 2024

Students graduate with the tools and mindset necessary to be eective leaders and problem-solvers. —Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. —Sacramento Bee, 10 June 2024

But critics say the amendment would amount to a further narrowing in numbers and mindset for the nation's largest Protestant denomination, which has moved steadily rightward in recent decades. —CBS News, 6 June 2024

Takes like these thrive on us versus them and an either/or mindset that has overtaken the WNBA community. —Shakeia Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2024

How is a mindset that looks forward to failing fast and failing often still the de facto success formula in the world today? —Byluv Tulsidas, Fortune, 4 June 2024

In addition to a pragmatic mindset, you’re often celebrated for having a balanced and justice-seeking approach in the workplace. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024

The presence of another human you trust can add a layer of non-judgmental perception to your environment, which eases getting into a productive mindset. —Sarah Wright, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 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