mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
Synonyms of mentalitynext
1
: mental power or capacity : intelligence
2
: mode or way of thought : outlook
… the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century.John 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.
Johnson, 23, was selected tenth overall by the Fever, who praised her defensive mentality and toughness in a celebratory call with her after the draft. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 The real test of that mentality, Wells said, will come on Tuesday, when the Rapids face USL Championship side Union Omaha in the Open Cup round of 32 — the club’s entrance into the competition. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 But doubts about their mentality continue to creep in and injuries to key players are piling up. Jackie Powell, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026 Shifting the Hornets’ mentality Charlotte heads into the final weekend of the 2025-26 regular-season calendar, semi ahead of schedule with an opportunity to make some noise in the postseason for the first time in a decade. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mentality

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mentality was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Mentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentality. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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

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