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
Jane and Michael Stern2
: 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
William VollmanExamples of mindset in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So grab some friends and a few of the following staples of hygge living, get in a relaxed mindset, and get ready to dive into the tradition.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Fighting that mindset and perception was already challenging enough as an undocumented, immigrant, gay, young man with immense pressure to push each day to fit expectations and seek success.
—Edgar Castro Tello, Health, 26 Feb. 2026
But that short-term mindset can work against you.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The mindset of not needing to score a point every shift is one that Hawks coach Jeff Blashill preaches, and Spellacy lives by it too.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Auriemma said the coaching staff is intentional about breaking things down at this time of year to keep the team’s mindset as focused as possible.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
Amer Kaissi, professor at Trinity University, explains why bringing that negative mindset to work will quietly undermine your team, organization, and career.
—Harvard Business Review, 24 Feb. 2026
This was part of a particular mindset in the government, explains sociologist of science Olof Hallonsten of Sweden’s Lund University.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The philosophy behind Giving Fanatics stems from a stewardship mindset that views business success as an opportunity to create positive outcomes for the community.
—William Jones, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
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Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Fighting that mindset and perception was already challenging enough as an undocumented, immigrant, gay, young man with immense pressure to push each day to fit expectations and seek success.
—Edgar Castro Tello, Health, 26 Feb. 2026
But that short-term mindset can work against you.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
The mindset of not needing to score a point every shift is one that Hawks coach Jeff Blashill preaches, and Spellacy lives by it too.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Auriemma said the coaching staff is intentional about breaking things down at this time of year to keep the team’s mindset as focused as possible.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
Amer Kaissi, professor at Trinity University, explains why bringing that negative mindset to work will quietly undermine your team, organization, and career.
—Harvard Business Review, 24 Feb. 2026
This was part of a particular mindset in the government, explains sociologist of science Olof Hallonsten of Sweden’s Lund University.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The philosophy behind Giving Fanatics stems from a stewardship mindset that views business success as an opportunity to create positive outcomes for the community.
—William Jones, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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