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

The Seminoles no doubt have spent camp focusing on fundamentals and SMU, which is coming up on Labor Day, but there shouldn’t be a mindset of overlooking New Mexico State. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Beyond her impressions of this event, mikako spoke about the sense of gender equity she’s developed after spending her childhood in Vienna and her mindset around working in a mixed-gender group. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026

His father has seen this strive-for-more mindset evolve over the years. — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

So, the manager was confident that the growth in mindset that the Dodgers had witnessed over the last year would carry through the down time. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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