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

While that urgency can help a young company gain momentum, applying a move-fast mindset to every decision can create weaknesses that become harder and more expensive to fix over time. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

That scarcity mindset extends well beyond the romance, as the film’s various supporting characters broadly accept corporate manipulation and government overreach as unavoidable conditions of life. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026

McAfee started the interview by asking about Rodgers’ mindset going into his final season. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

The interview began with McAfee asking Rodgers about his mindset coming into the quarterback’s season. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 4 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