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
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
Beyond The Basics Successful investing requires mastering behavioral tendencies, and effective retirement planning demands a clear view of your financial reality.
—
Wayne Anderman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
And so, your natural tendency to believe that everyone is operating in good faith takes a real beating.
—Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 2025
Playing in a defense requires knowing the scheme, understanding how to react to opponents’ tendencies and teammates’ on-the-fly decisions and making game plan specific adjustments.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Under Potter, Welbeck was frustrated by Brighton’s tendency to over-pass, depriving him of meaningful service.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tendency
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Wayne Anderman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
And so, your natural tendency to believe that everyone is operating in good faith takes a real beating.
—Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 2025
Playing in a defense requires knowing the scheme, understanding how to react to opponents’ tendencies and teammates’ on-the-fly decisions and making game plan specific adjustments.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Under Potter, Welbeck was frustrated by Brighton’s tendency to over-pass, depriving him of meaningful service.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tendency
Cite this Entry
“Tendency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tendency. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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