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

This mentality is crucial for a team that will be defined this season by its versatility. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

Chance Gladden, a 6-4 guard from Boston University, brings a comparable boulder-on-the-shoulder mentality, forced to prove himself in a low-major conference after being bypassed by bigger programs despite an illustrious high school career. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

My position is that California should continue the project, but under a much stricter framework, which includes realistic phasing, stronger independent oversight, honest public timelines and no blank-check mentality. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

Strong, powerful, killer instinct mentality wise. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 May 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