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 of tendency

• proneness
• way
• propensity

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

His tendency to look for the shot before the pass is affecting his teammates, and overall the team’s offense is going through some horrible stretches. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026

Beverage writers have a tendency to begin the year with trend articles, sometimes about what to leave behind, sometimes about what to expect. —Jerry & Krista Slater, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Some experts have also argued that the basic design features of AI chatbots—including their anthropomorphic nature, ability to hold long conversations, and tendency to remember personal information—encourage users to form emotional bonds with the software. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

But despite my overpacking tendencies, somehow there was always extra room left over in my Cloud bag for more souvenirs, all while still being able to fit underneath the seat in front of me on my flight home. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for tendency

• pendency
• ascendancy
• ascendency
• dependency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency

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