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
Jane and Michael Stern2
: 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
William VollmanExamples of mindset in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To succeed, leaders must cut through the noise, build around clear business outcomes, and adopt an enterprise-first mindset.
—Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
To slip into that mindset, take swim pieces out for a spin on dry land.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
With the right development and a bit of an adjustment to his mindset, he’s got legit NHL potential.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2025
Some leaders are pushing back against the enforcement mindset.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Sanders possesses guard skills and a defensive mindset, qualities that caught scouts’ attention at the NBA draft combine.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
Jim Cahill, a mindset guide at Sensei and expert in contemplative neuroscience, has likewise identified the desire for quick fixes as a common mindset, but believes it can be worked with.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
This requires a shift in mindset that embraces writing as a process rather than a product.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
According to McKinsey, the need for time management, resilience, and a learning mindset are especially parallel.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 June 2025
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.
Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
To slip into that mindset, take swim pieces out for a spin on dry land.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
With the right development and a bit of an adjustment to his mindset, he’s got legit NHL potential.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2025
Some leaders are pushing back against the enforcement mindset.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Sanders possesses guard skills and a defensive mindset, qualities that caught scouts’ attention at the NBA draft combine.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
Jim Cahill, a mindset guide at Sensei and expert in contemplative neuroscience, has likewise identified the desire for quick fixes as a common mindset, but believes it can be worked with.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
This requires a shift in mindset that embraces writing as a process rather than a product.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
According to McKinsey, the need for time management, resilience, and a learning mindset are especially parallel.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share