mindfulness

American  

[mahynd-fuhl-nis] / ˈmaɪnd fəl nɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.

2. Psychology.

   1. 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.

   2. the mental state maintained by the use of this technique.

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mindfulness British  

/ ˈmaɪndfʊlnɪs /

noun

1. the the state or quality of being mindful

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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!

Example Sentences

Bhutan said Wednesday it will invest $1 billion from national cryptocurrency reserves to develop a "Mindfulness City", which it hopes will become an economic hub for the tiny Himalayan nation.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

To the contrary: A 2014 study in the journal Mindfulness concluded that college students who approached even a few minutes of dishwashing “with intentionality and awareness” boosted positive feelings and lowered negative ones.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 15, 2024

Mindfulness is defined as a state of consciousness that involves paying attention in the present moment intentionally and non-judgementally.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2024

Mindfulness is a calming technique that involves examining the present moment without judgement, the charity Mind says.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024

“I—I ought to, uh, have to recite the Five Principles of Good Citizenship and the Four Attitudes Leading to Right- Mindfulness twice before, uh, getting food next time,” said Ton- Ton.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer