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.
Support perseverance and passion for long-term goals: Support sustained effort and a growth mindset rather than grades or achievement for achievement's sake. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025 In this moment, the key is to shift from a mindset of fear to one of strategy. Sam Dogen, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 Comparing yourself to others instead of measuring your own progress creates a reactive mindset. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 His own style, rooted in his Southern California upbringing during the pop-punk Blink-182 era, reflects that mindset—with its affinity for skinny jeans, Vans, and side parts. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 That would be included in his mindset of being able, at some point, to expand his reach beyond New York. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 To go back to the start of filming, what was your mindset at that time? Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 Mobile, whose favorite player growing up was Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, remembered his mindset ahead of the action. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Lely helps farmers prepare for the shift to robotic dairy farming, both in terms of the physical environment and their mindset. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 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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