single mindedness

USAGE SUMMARY

"single-mindedness" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a focused determination or unwavering commitment to a goal. Example: Her single-mindedness in pursuing her career led to her success. Alternative expressions include "focus," "determination," and "dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Using her charm and her single mindedness, she has recruited some interesting supporters to her cause.

BBC

It is a struggle against single mindedness and close mindedness.

Huffington Post

A kind of single mindedness seems to facilitate creativity.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I admire her single-mindedness.

The New Yorker

That single-mindedness again.

The Guardian - Arts

For single-mindedness.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainty and single-mindedness are better fuels.

The New York Times

Single-mindedness takes them there.

The New York Times - Arts

Her single-mindedness drew notice.

The New York Times

Was such single-mindedness admirable or chilling?

The New York Times

His writing certainly had single-mindedness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to highlight a subject's impressive dedication to a specific goal, particularly in biographies or character studies.

Common error

Avoid using "single mindedness" when you mean that someone is intolerant of other people's ideas. While "single-mindedness" is generally a positive trait describing focus, "narrow-mindedness" is a negative trait describing a lack of openness or prejudice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single mindedness" functions as a compound noun that describes an abstract quality of character. In Ludwig's database, it is frequently used as the subject of a sentence or the object of a preposition to identify the driving force behind an individual's success or failure. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single mindedness" is an effective way to describe an intense, unwavering commitment to a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms that while both hyphenated and non-hyphenated forms are found in the wild, the hyphenated version "single-mindedness" is significantly more prevalent in high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is a versatile noun phrase that can convey admiration for someone's dedication or, occasionally, a warning about the costs of being too focused. When writing, ensure you distinguish it from "narrow-mindedness" to avoid unintended negative connotations. Overall, it remains a staple of sophisticated English prose for character analysis and success stories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwavering focus

Emphasizes the steadiness and lack of distraction in one's attention

doggedness

Suggests a persistent, almost stubborn level of determination

tenacity

Focuses on the quality of holding on to a goal despite difficulties

fixity of purpose

A more formal and literary way to describe a settled intention

resoluteness

Highlights the firm and decided nature of the person's character

steadfastness

Stresses loyalty and constancy to a specific path or belief

concentration

More technical and relates to the cognitive act of focusing energy

determination

A broader term for having a firm desire to achieve something

obsession

Carries a negative connotation of focus that has become unhealthy

perseverance

Focuses on the endurance over a long period of time

FAQs

Is "single mindedness" one word or two?

It is typically written as two words with a hyphen: "single-mindedness". While some sources omit the hyphen, the hyphenated version is the standard for clarity in English grammar.

What can I say instead of "single mindedness"?

Depending on the tone you want, you can use "unwavering focus" for a positive tone, "doggedness" for persistent effort or "tenacity" for strength of character.

What is the difference between "single mindedness" and "stubbornness"?

The phrase "single-mindedness" usually implies a productive and admirable focus on a goal, whereas "stubbornness" often suggests an unreasonable refusal to change one's mind even when it would be beneficial.

How do you use "single mindedness" in a sentence?

An example from high-quality sources would be: "Her "single mindedness" in pursuing her research led to a major scientific breakthrough."