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

Many have expressed concerns over his health issues, mentality and the bizarre circumstances of his freshman year. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026

This is a bomb-first-strategize-later mentality. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2026

Lorkowski has the right blend of attitude, toughness, skill and mentality to deal with the volatile emotional and physical demands of being a goalkeeper. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Towns suggested the problem may come down to mentality as much as execution. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

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