tendency

noun

ten·​den·​cy ˈten-dən(t)-sē 

plural tendencies

1

a

: a proneness to a particular kind of thought or action

b

: direction or approach toward a place, object, effect, or limit

2

a

: the purposeful trend of something written or said : aim

b

: deliberate but indirect advocacy

Synonyms

• aptness
• proneness
• propensity
• way

Choose the Right Synonym for tendency

tendency, trend, drift, tenor, current mean movement in a particular direction.

tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces

the drift of the population away from large cities

or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

got the drift of her argument

tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

Examples of tendency in a Sentence

The economy has shown a general tendency toward inflation.

a tendency to drop things

Recent Examples on the Web

Over his years on Days, Clyde committed murder, rape, and blackmail, displayed both homophobic and misogynistic tendencies, was thrown in and busted out of prison, and ran a drug ring. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

The High Performer's Dilemma: A Focus on Gaps High achievers, particularly perfectionists, thrive on results and continuous improvement, which can lead to a tendency to dwell too long on shortcomings. —Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Leigh’s movies have often evidenced a socialist tendency while resisting typical political bias — except for the unfortunate mixed-bag Peterloo. —Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024

Thongs already have a tendency to ride up, so the thought of wearing a high-waist one was initially a huge no. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin tendentia, noun derivative of Latin tendent-, tendens, present participle of tendere "to extend outward, stretch, spread out, direct (one's course), aim (at a purpose)" (Medieval Latin, "to lead toward, move in a particular direction") — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing tendency

• central tendency
• counter-tendency

Kids Definition

tendency

noun

ten·​den·​cy ˈten-dən-sē 

plural tendencies

1

: a direction or approach toward a place, object, result, or limit

2

: a leaning toward a particular kind of thought or action