English Reference
noun

mindfulness

n.
UK /mˈaɪndfəlnəs/ mind·ful·ness

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Medicine

    a mental exercise where you focus on your breathing and the present moment to feel calm.

    a therapeutic technique or meditative practice focused on maintaining a non-judgmental state of heightened awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.

    Simple

    She practices mindfulness every morning to help manage her stress at work.

    In context

    Clinical studies suggest that regular mindfulness training can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety by teaching patients to observe their thoughts without immediate reaction.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'practice' or 'cultivate'.

    distractionabsent mindedness
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of being careful and aware of what is happening around you.

    the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; a cognitive inclination toward alertness and attention.

    Simple

    The program encourages mindfulness of how our daily habits affect the environment.

    In context

    The diplomat's mindfulness of local customs ensured that the negotiations proceeded without any cultural misunderstandings.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.

    awarenessattentivenessconsciousness
    inattentionoblivion

Mindfulness practices have a positive effect on mental health, and these can prove especially helpful if you’re in your 20s or 30s .

The Conversation· 27 Jul 2026

Mindfulness slightly reduced difficulties in highly anxious students.

Phys.org· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated