mindfulness
Americannoun
-
the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.
-
Psychology.
-
a technique in which one focuses one's full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them.
The practice of mindfulness can reduce stress and physical pain.
-
the mental state maintained by the use of this technique.
-
noun
Etymology
Origin of mindfulness
First recorded in 1520–30; mindful ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
Explanation
Mindfulness is a state of focusing on what you're doing right now. Practicing mindfulness often leaves people feeling more relaxed and calm. Since the 16th century, mindfulness has been used to mean "attention." Around 1995, it became popular to describe certain meditative practices using the Sanskrit sati, which translates to mindfulness. Beyond simply paying attention, this kind of awareness is focused on being fully present in the moment. If you've been feeling distracted and stressed out, you should try a mindfulness exercise!
Vocabulary lists containing mindfulness
Louder than Hunger
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Suffix -ness, Part 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But mindfulness can become tougher as you age, when you’re beset by physical and mental distractions.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
By comparison, the mindfulness programs improved physical activity and diet, but did not produce the same medication adherence benefit, according to the study.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026
Guest: Meghan Cliffel, writer, mindfulness teacher, postpartum psychosis survivor and maternal mental health advocate.
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
"Worries or stresses kind of melt away as you're focused," he said, comparing it to the mindfulness people can get from yoga, sport or watching a film.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
“When I work with clients, I like to teach them about mindfulness and emotion regulation.”
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
