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

For Le Labo, Deborah Royer, global brand president and creative director, said the brand still operates with the mindset of an indie — even a dozen years post-acquisition. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Relaxed moments are a central aspect of Tagliaferri’s design aesthetic, which is shaped by a California mindset. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026

Maybe 30% leave a suicide note, and those frequently don’t illuminate the cause or a person’s mindset before attempting. — Laura Reiley, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

These changes have forged a new mindset among school officials, one that would be unfamiliar to principals of 50 years ago. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 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