single-mindedˌsingle-ˈminded adjective 
Examples
a tough, single-minded lady He worked with single-minded determination.► see thesaurus at determined—single-mindedly adverb—single-mindedness noun [uncountable]
ExamplesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- a single-minded pursuit of success
- During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless.
- Her single-minded commitment to the job meant that she had little time left for her family.
- Many athletes withdraw from the world in their single-minded pursuit of their sport.
- But these were not men who could afford such single-minded commitment.
- Doubled-breasted suits and the single-minded pursuit of power are not yet quite enough.
- I decided on the spot that I would just have to step out of my self-assigned role as single-minded student.
- Instead, it goaded John Major to an even more single-minded determination to push the Treaty through Parliament.
- She's a tough, single-minded lady who hasn't achieved her present position without treading on more than a few toes.
- The single-minded mission of commercial television today is to produce audiences for sale to advertisers of consumer goods and services.
- Women aren't encouraged to be as confident in themselves or as single-minded the way men are.
- Yet he had pursued her with a single-minded intent that was unnerving.
THESAURUS► determined
Collocations if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and you will not let anything stop you. Determined is also used about someone’s character, when they usually behave in this way: · I was determined to be a doctor.· She’s a very determined woman.
► stubborn determined not to change what you are doing, especially when other people think you are behaving in an unreasonable way. Stubborn is often used when you disapprove of someone. It is also sometimes used when you admire them: · I wish you would stop being so stubborn!· Churchill’s stubborn refusal to surrender
► single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and thinks that everything else is much less important: · During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless.· her single-minded pursuit of power
► tough determined to succeed, even if a situation is difficult or frightening: · In competitive sports, it is as important to be mentally tough as it is to be physically fit.· Gorelick is known as a tough manager.
► firm showing by your behaviour that you are determined not to change your mind, especially when you are telling someone what to do: · What this country needs is firm leadership.· You have to be firm with young children.
► feisty determined and full of energy, and not afraid to say what you think and argue with people – used especially when you admire this person. Feisty is often used about women: · In the film she plays a feisty young woman who is smarter than all the men put together.· a feisty kid with a mind of his own· the city’s feisty mayor
► headstrong determined to do what you want, without listening to other people’s advice or thinking about the results of your actions – used especially about young people: · Her sister was headstrong and impulsive, and made a point of going out whenever and wherever she liked.
► resolute formal doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims etc: · the soldiers’ resolute defence of the town
► tenacious formal determined and refusing to give up: · McTaggart was seen by many in the environment movement as a tenacious hero.· his tenacious grip on power
► dogged [only before noun] dogged behaviour shows that you are very determined and that you will not give up – used especially in the following phrases: dogged determination/persistence/resistance/refusal: · The team played with dogged determination.· his dogged refusal to admit defeat· the dogged persistence of the defenders
► persistent continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it: · If you want to get a job, you have to be persistent. Don’t give up.
► strong-willed always very determined to do what you want to do, even if other people think it is not a good idea to do it: · She has always been a strong-willed child.
► ruthless someone who is ruthless is so determined to get what they want, that they do not care if they harm other people: · a ruthless dictator· He was ruthless in his ambition.
► mean business to be determined to do something and show other people that you are determined to do it, even if it involves harming someone: · The one-day strike proved that the union meant business.
Longman Language Activatorsomeone who has a determined character► determined someone who is determined works very hard to achieve what they want to achieve, and will not let problems stop them: · Not many women went to university in those days, but Dorothy was a very determined woman.· I was immediately impressed by how determined he was.
► single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and thinks that everything else is much less important: · During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless.somebody's single-minded pursuit of something: · Many athletes withdraw from the world in their single-minded pursuit of their sport.single-minded determination/ambition/commitment: · Her single-minded commitment to the job meant that she had little time left for her family.
► strong-willed always very determined to do what you want to do, even if other people think it is not a good idea to do it: · At seventy-nine, she is as strong-willed as she ever was.· Sally was only 14, but Nick no longer knew how to handle his strong-willed young daughter.
► uncompromising unwilling to change your opinions or intentions because you are sure you are right, even when other people think you are being unreasonable: · At work, George was known as an uncompromising businessman.· The District Officers were uncompromising in their opposition to the proposals of the wildlife conservationists.
► feisty someone who is feisty is determined to get what they want, and is not afraid of stating their opinion, or fighting for it: · Davis was known in Hollywood as the feistiest actress of her day.· Pavlov was feisty in his opposition to the Soviets, but, aware of his fame, they were forced to ignore his insults.· Riordan frequented the restaurant for 40 years, coming back for the food and the feisty attitude of the staff.
► tough someone who is tough is determined to succeed at anything they do, and does not let difficult or frightening situations stop them: · My grandmother was a tough old lady, who lived through some very hard times.· In games like this it is more important to be mentally tough, than physically fit.· Voters traditionally believe that women are not as tough as men on crime and defense issues.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN► pursuit
someone who is single-minded has one clear aim and works very hard to achieve it: · Doubled-breasted suits and the single-minded pursuit of power are not yet quite enough.
a tough, single-minded lady He worked with single-minded determination.► see thesaurus at determined—single-mindedly adverb—single-mindedness noun [uncountable]