mindfulness

noun

mind·​ful·​ness ˈmīn(d)-fəl-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being mindful

2

: the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis

also : such a state of awareness

Synonyms of mindfulness

• awareness
• attention
• consciousness

Examples of mindfulness in a Sentence

his mindfulness of his limited education made him ill at ease around academics

Recent Examples on the Web

There's a decision tree on how to use DBT skills to resolve conflict, for example, and an infographic on how to practice mindfulness. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 20 July 2026

The other is traditional mindfulness, which include techniques that focus not on internal monologues and rationalizations but on staying grounded in one’s surroundings and present circumstances. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and kindness in churchyards, town squares and in front of the Lincoln Memorial drew large, diverse crowds. — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026

Part of an overall approach to mindfulness is an awareness of one’s surroundings, and celebrating Central Texas culture with mindful movement and creativity is one way to do that. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1