mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset How to pronounce mindset (audio)
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 With that entrepreneurial mindset, Lindsay majored in business at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, a historically Black college outside of Philadelphia. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Rather than perpetuating a taboo, healthy companies address the subject early, identify the specific mindset of each individual, and gently guide them towards a different and more constructive future. Graham Ward, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 This can build a growth mindset in your kids, which is essential for navigating academic and social challenges. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 Was that a linear process for you, having to get something out on that first album in order to settle into the mindset of this one? Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 That was the mindset behind The Bouqs Co's new line: The Dried Collection. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 For those with the right skills and mindset, there could be a great career waiting for you with excellent opportunities for financial returns. Johan Hajji, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Israel, however, has refused to pull back and been reluctant to agree to a long-term cease-fire, saying the systematic murder of civilians in the Oct. 7 attack has altered the country’s mindset about how to respond to Hamas. Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mindset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near mindset

Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

mindset

noun
mind·​set
variants also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

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