mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset How to pronounce mindset (audio)
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
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.
To fully utilize the best that AI has to offer requires a new mindset that goes hand in hand with the technology. Fabio Sattolo, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Espinosa believes the modern CEO needs to lead with a different mindset. Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 4 June 2025 In contrast, Gen X—raised on film cameras and early digital devices—may approach photography with a more functional mindset. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 The chasm in mindset between the U.S. and the North Korean leadership, as well as Trump’s insistence on making deals himself, means that Trump’s team is unlikely to cultivate deep relationships with North Korean officials. John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025 Not just tactics but mindset, preparation, mentality etc. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 2 June 2025 There’s a part of me that’s always operating with that actor’s mindset. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 2 June 2025 On June 11, the full moon in Sagittarius shines a light on your self-worth, finances and values, signaling the need to either raise your rates or surrender a money mindset that’s been keeping you small. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025 The Human Pitch mindset gives you what traditional reviews can’t: a read on voice, a sense of instinct and a glimpse into the people who will build the thing together, not just sell it. Flavio Vidigal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

mindset

noun
mind·​set
variants also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

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