mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

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

That shift in mindset is rippling through mountain and foothill communities too. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 July 2026

The bigger picture For culture-curious travelers, that mindset is a good sign. — Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Another has excellent emotional intelligence and a growth mindset, but has some concerning skills gaps. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

In the study, older adults with more positive beliefs about aging were more likely to experience these improvements, though the study cannot show that mindset directly caused them. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mindset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit