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.
Smith said the team’s recent growth stems from a program-first, selfless mentality and players fully buying in. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025 Those who know him say his mentality sets him apart. Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Some of us sitting there as spectators absorb that mentality. Ed Lavandera, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 But Grumman said that the Verve team’s mentality is not built around booking their clients into every possible job for the maximum payday. Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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