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.
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 Shifting attitudes about coexistence But changing local attitudes takes work, because not everyone is easily swayed toward a coexistence mindset. Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025 This positive mindset encourages me to keep growing and improving as an individual every day. The Learning Network, New York Times, 22 May 2025 In terms of real-life matters for the Royals — baseball — their mindset is all about winning a World Series. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025 Jason asked, after Travis explained his mindset Taylor Swift’s guitar belongs to Travis Kelce — even if his brother Jason can’t quite see. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 21 May 2025 That meant a distinct voice, a clear point of view and a style personality that reflected our own customers’ mindset. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 May 2025 Nassib has a growth mindset; striving to make a difference on the gridiron has given way to making a difference in the wider world. Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 Bryan was the one to vocalise the mindset that everything, especially a Rooney goal, could now be ripe for marketing. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 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 29 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

mindset

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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