single-minded

adjective

sin·​gle-mind·​ed ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈmīn-dəd How to pronounce single-minded (audio)
ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˌmīn-
: having one driving purpose or resolve : determined, dedicated
single-mindedly adverb
single-mindedness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kevin Vance has been single-minded in his two weeks as San Diego State’s baseball coach. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 Jessica Chastain is aces as the CIA analyst devoting every waking moment to his capture, and director Kathryn Bigelow deftly depicts the cost of war and single-minded obsession. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025 That success took a nearly single-minded focus from O’Connell and his staff, who tout the victorious plan as a win for Nashville families concerned about the rising cost of living. Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The single-minded Houston was willing to accept the destruction of Texas settlements to achieve his dream of annexation; Secretary of War Thomas Jefferson Rusk and the majority of Texian fighting men were not. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for single-minded

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-minded was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Single-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-minded. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on single-minded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!