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

Example Sentences

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

Instead, those with the time and inclination may try to have their information removed from individual campaign contact lists. —Alex Ford, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023

Go for the Grab Bag option, which is great for neighbors, or any group that doesn't have the time or inclination to go through an elaborate gift-giving ritual. —Jill Gleeson, Country Living, 28 Nov. 2022

My inclination at that point was to say OK, no problem, good luck, your loss, call over. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2023

Your inclination to have strong boundaries and protect your time is a good one. —Roxane Gay, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2022

My natural inclination is to just keep working, but more often than not the real solution is a good night’s sleep. —Diana Budds, Curbed, 15 Aug. 2022

An inclination to hold on to items is completely normal, and most of us have some sort of a relationship with our stuff, says psychologist and object attachment expert Keong Yap, DPsych of Australian Catholic University. —Sydney Baker, Good Housekeeping, 5 Nov. 2022

Converging biomedicine and technology means swifter and more accurate treatment plan decisions, alleviating physicians' overwhelm and inclination for burnout. —Dr. Ali Tinazli, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022

Sequel to that opinion, it should also be noted that indiscriminate intake of BHB keto pills is a bad inclination. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

See More

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