single-minded

adjective

sin·​gle-mind·​ed ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈmīn-dəd 

ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˌmīn-

: having one driving purpose or resolve : determined, dedicated

single-mindedly adverb

single-mindedness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set

Examples of single-minded in a Sentence

every successful reform movement has been spearheaded by a single-minded activist who refused to accept defeat

Recent Examples on the Web

Quiet and reflective off the field, Cody transforms into a single-minded player between the lines. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

All of which serves, two decades on, as a reminder that for all their single-minded brazenness, the Glazers did not act alone. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Isn’t there something comforting about weirdo citizens dominating local government meetings with their niche, single-minded interests, even when the world has ended? —EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025

For years now, the author has been on a near single-minded social media crusade against transgender women, and more recently has begun lending the campaign her financial support too. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for single-minded

• rescinded
• winded

Kids Definition

single-minded

adjective

sin·​gle-mind·​ed

-ˈmīn-dəd

: having only one purpose : determined

a single-minded devotion to stopping crime

single-mindedly adverb