single-minded

adjective

sin·​gle-mind·​ed ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈmīn-dəd How to pronounce single-minded (audio)
ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˌmīn-
: having one driving purpose or resolve : determined, dedicated
single-mindedly adverb
single-mindedness noun

Examples of single-minded in a Sentence

every successful reform movement has been spearheaded by a single-minded activist who refused to accept defeat
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.
And if this isn’t an isolated incident, then this presents a huge problem for the remnants of humanity, most of whom have survived through a mixture of luck and simply being able to outthink these single-minded creatures. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2025 The seniors at Worthington Kilbourne High School are single-minded in their quest to excel at their craft. Rob Oller, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 The film depicts a man whose ego isolates him and prevents him from forging genuine bonds—who pushes people away with his obfuscation, lies, and single-minded pursuit of fame through physical strength. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025 His delusional machismo can’t quite match Steve’s galactic, single-minded confidence. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for single-minded

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-minded was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Single-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-minded. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

single-minded

adjective
sin·​gle-mind·​ed
-ˈmīn-dəd
: having only one purpose : determined
a single-minded devotion to stopping crime
single-mindedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on single-minded

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