mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset How to pronounce mindset (audio)
variants or less commonly mind-set
plural mindsets also mind-sets
1
: a mental attitude or inclination
politicians trying to determine the mindset of voters
It isn't only the freshness of the fruit that makes breakfast in California restaurants outstanding. It's an attitude, a morning mindset, a desire to start the day in a leisurely, luxurious manner.Jane and Michael Stern
2
: a fixed state of mind
His mind-set does not allow for new situations.
The German military thought they were being honorable, and this wasn't an excuse—this was their complete mindset.William Vollman

Examples of mindset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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He was involved in multiple relegation battles and believes having the right mindset is key. Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 But the mindset that built success—adaptability, openness and a willingness to embrace uncertainty—remains the antidote. Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026 Hentges said the Storm’s mentality before the break was stacking defensive stops, and that mindset carried over into the second half. Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2026 Aubrey talked about his mindset as a restricted free agent during an appearance Wednesday to promote IndyCar’s inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington this weekend. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026 In a March 11 sneak peek at her upcoming Nightline interview that aired on Good Morning America, Lopez revealed how her mindset about romance has shifted since splitting from Affleck in August 2024. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026 That mindset allows Orlando to take the game to opponents, no matter who is starting. Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 The improvements were consistent across the study population, and were linked to the participants' mindset about aging, according to a press release. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 11 Mar. 2026 That mental shift last year at Low-A Myrtle Beach helped Ayers, 24, get into the right mindset and make the necessary adjustments at the plate to help set him up for success in the Arizona Fall League. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

mindset

noun
mind·​set
variants also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit

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