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

But the league is also going through a massive sea change right now, both economically and in the mindset of its player base. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Three fires that occurred between 1918 and 1936 put an end to all that, and nowadays the island embraces a much slower mindset. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

No other cocktail speaks to that mindset the way a martini does. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

Strengthen Your Adaptability And Human Skills Cultivating a flexible mindset and focusing on human skills can help employees prepare for what’s next. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 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