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
That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.
—
Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Singer said that a public apology, besides being important for those who are personally affected, can help raise awareness about the violations because there is a tendency to downplay the existence and significance of the abuses.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
But Swift had his own issues, one of which was a tendency to hunt the big play when there was none to be found.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tendency
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Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Singer said that a public apology, besides being important for those who are personally affected, can help raise awareness about the violations because there is a tendency to downplay the existence and significance of the abuses.
—The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
But Swift had his own issues, one of which was a tendency to hunt the big play when there was none to be found.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 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 10 Jun. 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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