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 mindset has become increasingly important as athletes build personal brands and create new income streams earlier in their careers. — Adam Frank, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026

This silent meditation happened again when the Mechanical Clock Prize was presented, once more setting the audience in a serene horological mindset. — Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026

But if the Colts are rebuilding, looking to sell off intriguing pieces for draft capital and more, winning right now might not be the mindset of the organization. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Keeho lands somewhere hopeful, with his mindset shaping the attitude the group carries into BLOW UP, in part thanks to seeing Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film Tour at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum that week. — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 6 Nov. 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