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

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

In your view, does the introduction of sovereign venture capital in the Spanish film and TV industry encourage a change of mindset in the industry? — John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Brumm also put himself in the mindset of ancient humans and tried sucking on betel nuts himself. — Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Active ambivalence is the best mindset with which to approach such a daunting viewing experience. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

With its close ties to Britain and France, as well as its more liberal political mindset, Canada is probably the most European non-European country. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mindset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Medical Definition

mindset

noun

mind·​set

variants also mind-set

ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 

: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit