single-minded
Americanadjective
-
having or showing a single aim or purpose.
a single-minded program.
-
dedicated; resolute; steadfast.
He was single-minded in his concern for truth.
- Synonyms:
- firm, inflexible, persevering, determined
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of single-minded
First recorded in 1570–80
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.
What it needs is a single-minded focus on preparing kids for kindergarten.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
It’s a one-track, single-minded way of thinking, eerily reminiscent of, oh, I don’t know, a hungry coyote blindly pursuing a roadrunner.
From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026
For Mr. Lieberman, a welcome alternative to single-minded diets can be found by looking at regions sometimes called Blue Zones, which are associated with exceptional longevity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
Stubborn, single-minded and tireless, lionized and controversial, the Los Angeles water boss was 72.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
“I do not deny that my mother and sister can be a bit... single-minded, but what would you have me do?”
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
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.
