mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity : intelligence
2
: mode or way of thought : outlook
the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth centuryJohn Davies

Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior
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 Dolphins’ entire culture — play-calling, locker room mentality, on-field attitude, personnel acquisition — must lean more toward being tougher. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2025 Increasingly, thanks to changing demographics and a growing desire for a less-frenzied daily routine, there are also more folks seeking to put down permanent roots here, which has led to a boomtown mentality in places. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 6 June 2025 If only there were a Hall of Fame coach with New York pizzazz, a win-now mentality, already under the Knicks’ nose … who might still regret leaving them 40 years ago. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025 Good leaders and employees have a solutions mentality curated by a spirit of imagination. Megan Leasher, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mentality

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mentality was in 1691

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Cite this Entry

“Mentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentality. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power : intelligence
2
: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity
2
: mode or way of thought

More from Merriam-Webster on mentality

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