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 of single-minded

• resolute
• determined
• intent

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

Reform’s platform is threadbare, marked by a single-minded obsession with immigration as the root of seemingly every social ill and offering mass deportations as the solution. —Oliver Eagleton, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

And who better than the single-minded Big Tech execs. —Alexandra Ebert, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025

In the trailer for Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, Marty Mauser displays a single-minded ambition to become the world’s biggest ping-pong champion, not unlike Chalamet as an actor. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2025

The single-minded obsession with Mamdani’s talk of affordability, while convenient for the mayor-elect and a vital part of his appeal, also misses an obvious point. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 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• rescinded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