inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌiŋ-

1

: a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action

the clutch has an inclination to slip

2

a

: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal : slant

also : the degree of such deviation

b

: an inclined surface : slope

c(1)

: the angle determined by two lines or planes

(2)

: the angle made by a line with the x-axis measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of that axis

3

: an act or the action of bending or inclining: such as

a

: bow, nod

b

: a tilting of something

4

a

: a particular disposition of mind or character : propensity

especially : liking

had little inclination for housekeeping

b

obsolete : natural disposition : character

inclinational

ˌin-klə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌiŋ-

adjective

Synonyms

• affection
• affinity
• aptitude
• bent
• bias
• bone
• devices
• disposition
• genius
• habitude
• impulse
• leaning
• partiality
• penchant
• predilection
• predisposition
• proclivity
• propensity
• tendency
• turn

Examples of inclination in a Sentence

She shows no inclination to give in to their demands.

He's a loner by inclination.

My first inclination was to say no, but I finally decided to do what she asked.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to learn about such matters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Springsteen and politics The front man known for his tours alongside the E Street Band is also forthcoming about his political inclination. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2024

The percentages for other political inclinations were not as high but still represented a majority, including 86% of independent and third-party respondents, and 74% of Republicans. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024

To indicate that Rona has something of an intellectual life and a poetic inclination, the soundtrack offers clips of her discoursing, briefly, on matters of science and folklore, which often sound written for a children’s encyclopedia and which Ronan delivers in an educational tone. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024

But my son shows a little more of an inclination to want to it more. —Jim Halterman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4b

Kids Definition

inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən 

iŋ-

1

: a feeling of liking or of wanting to do something

an inclination for sleeping late

2

: an act or the action of bending or tilting

3

: a departure from the true vertical or horizontal : slant

the inclination of the earth's axis

also : the amount of such departure

b

: an inclined surface : slope

4

: a quality which leads to some state or action

the door has an inclination to stick

inclinational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, ˌiŋ- 

: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal

especially : the deviation of the long axis of a tooth or of the slope of a cusp from the vertical