entrenched thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"entrenched thinking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a mindset or attitude that is rigidly held, and resistant to change or new ideas. For example, "He had an entrenched thinking that the traditional way was always best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In Mr. Bell's view, that reason has a lot to do with entrenched thinking.

The New York Times

These new institutions have many hurdles to overcome before they can be established, but perhaps their greatest challenge is the one they pose to entrenched thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most famously, in beauty-mad San Francisco, the 1989 earthquake overcame years of entrenched thinking: the Embarcadero Freeway was taken down, which reconnected the city with its now glorious waterfront.

The New York Times - Arts

It was the most dramatic evidence to date that the terrorist attacks on the United States have dented the entrenched thinking of the enemies in the conflict here and created a new chance for peace at the same time as causing a spike in violence.

The New York Times

In this passage, Trillin exposes the immeasurable distance between the civil-rights icon and the entrenched thinking of the old South: Across the aisle from King, there happened to be sitting a stocky, nice-looking young white man with a short haircut and wearing Ivy League clothes….

The New Yorker

NM: Stick-frame construction and entrenched thinking.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Small voices rarely effect real change, particularly when up against deeply entrenched conventional thinking.

Forbes

There is a danger that a normative belief that large reserves are 'good' and small reserves are 'bad' has become entrenched in conservation thinking.

Biological Conservation

There's no light at the end of Arkanar's tunnel, but there is opportunity to reflect on the base impulses that keep societies entrenched in backwards thinking.

Vice

The challenge, as always, is culture — changing our entrenched ways of thinking, acting and organizing".

The New York Times

Counter-culturally, as checks against entrenched ways of thinking, they are an important fabric of society.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "entrenched thinking", provide concrete evidence and alternative perspectives to encourage open-mindedness. Acknowledge the validity of past approaches while highlighting the benefits of new ones.

Common error

Avoid using overly academic or technical language when discussing "entrenched thinking" with a general audience. Opt for clear, accessible language to ensure your message resonates effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entrenched thinking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It describes a deeply ingrained mindset or attitude resistant to change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entrenched thinking" is a valid and useful phrase for describing deeply ingrained, resistant thought patterns. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic discussions. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a sense of rigidity and resistance to change. To effectively challenge "entrenched thinking", focus on presenting objective evidence, fostering open dialogue, and highlighting the benefits of alternative perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingrained mindset

Focuses on the deeply rooted nature of the thought process.

conventional wisdom

Highlights the acceptance of traditional beliefs without questioning.

fixed mindset

Emphasizes the rigidity and resistance to change in one's thinking.

established beliefs

Refers to the set of convictions that are already in place.

deep-seated convictions

Underlines the intensity and firmly held nature of beliefs.

traditional viewpoints

Highlights the adherence to customary or long-standing perspectives.

old habits of thought

Emphasizes the habitual and difficult-to-break nature of thinking patterns.

customary thinking

Stresses the habitual and societal-ingrained quality of thoughts.

orthodox thinking

Implies adherence to established or traditional doctrines.

ingrained prejudice

It refers to an attitude, judgement or set of beliefs that is inflexible to change.

FAQs

How can I challenge "entrenched thinking" in a team environment?

Encourage open dialogue, present data-driven insights, and foster a culture of experimentation to gradually shift perspectives. Highlight successful case studies where alternative approaches have yielded positive results.

What are the signs of "entrenched thinking" in an organization?

Look for resistance to change, a lack of innovation, a dismissive attitude towards new ideas, and a tendency to rely on outdated methods. These are indicators of "fixed mindset".

How does "entrenched thinking" affect decision-making?

It can lead to biased judgments, missed opportunities, and a failure to adapt to changing circumstances. Overcoming this requires conscious effort to seek diverse perspectives and challenge assumptions.

What is the difference between "entrenched thinking" and critical thinking?

"Entrenched thinking" is characterized by a rigid adherence to existing beliefs, while critical thinking involves actively questioning assumptions and considering alternative viewpoints. Critical thinking promotes "open-mindedness" and adaptability, contrasting with the inflexibility of entrenched viewpoints.