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

Through the program, DLA Piper is helping a new generation of lawyers who might not have considered a legal career, reflecting the firm’s belief that veterans possess the focus, drive, ambition, grit, and team mindset needed to succeed in law school and as practicing lawyers. —Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

People shifted their mindset, and the problem was solved fairly quickly. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

Origina's approach requires a shift in mindset. —CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

That purpose-focused, design-centric mindset has helped Airbnb outperform rivals that chase short-term returns. —Christopher Dilella, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mindset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit