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
According to Limon-Rocha, various life stressors—such as starting a new school, being bullied, losing a beloved pet, or having a family member with health issues—can all trigger perfectionist tendencies.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
The tendency in the forecast has been for the front to set up across southeast portions of the Kansas City forecast area.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Welcome to outcome bias—the tendency to evaluate decisions based solely on results rather than the quality of the process that led to them.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Because of the tendency to mistake the latter for the former, plenty of folks with IC/BPS learn this the hard way, by taking a few rounds of these meds to no avail.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tendency
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Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
The tendency in the forecast has been for the front to set up across southeast portions of the Kansas City forecast area.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Welcome to outcome bias—the tendency to evaluate decisions based solely on results rather than the quality of the process that led to them.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Because of the tendency to mistake the latter for the former, plenty of folks with IC/BPS learn this the hard way, by taking a few rounds of these meds to no avail.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 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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