mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
Synonyms of mentalitynext
1
: mental power or capacity : intelligence
2
: mode or way of thought : outlook
… the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century.John Davies

Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior
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.
There’s a mentality problem — that’s highlighted by a pitiful return of just one point out of a possible 24 away from home this season against teams in the top nine. James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Brown’s shift in mentality has been evident since the start of spring training. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026 If only there was a way to get my kids to take an ounce of that mentality. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 The Broncos slogged through two TNF games last year, and took a defense-wins-championships mentality in both. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mentality

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mentality was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Mentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentality. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power : intelligence
2
: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity
2
: mode or way of thought

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