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

And that mentality is part of what made the Detroit Country Day product attractive to potential employers, as much as his pass-blocking prowess. —Matthew Mowery, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Of course, students have plenty of opportunities to learn that mentality on campus. —Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

That’s the mentality instilled in the top players the Hurricanes have churned out under Cristobal. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

His me-against-the-world mentality appealed to Oklahomans who had historically felt overlooked. —ABC News, 24 Apr. 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