mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity : intelligence

2

: mode or way of thought : outlook

… the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century.

—John Davies

Synonyms of mentality

• sense
• intelligence
• intellect
• reason

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

The brand celebrates the winner-take-all mentality, the moments where stars turn into champions and champions turn into legends. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

If the scheme isn’t going to change, then the mentality must. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025

The buy-the-dip mentality that has characterized retail traders remains in place, according to JPMorgan's trading desk. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025

His coaching methods and mentality are founded upon layers of experience and expertise. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mentality

• bunker mentality
• herd mentality
• siege mentality
• victim mentality

Rhymes for mentality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē 

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 

plural mentalities

1

: mental power or capacity

2

: mode or way of thought