inclination

noun

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in·cli·na·tion | \ ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən

, ˌiŋ- \

Definition of inclination

1 : a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action the clutch has an inclination to slip

2a : 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

4a : a particular disposition of mind or character : propensity especially : liking had little inclination for housekeeping

b obsolete : natural disposition : character

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Examples of inclination in a Sentence

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 Savolainen even theorizes that this inclination toward moderation shapes residents’ responses to the happiness ranking’s central question. — Joe Pinsker, The Atlantic, 27 June 2021 That means more investment in oil exploration, not less. Woods has shown no inclination to follow the lead of BP and Shell by cutting Exxon Mobil’s dividend. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2021 There is an understandable inclination to extend the eviction and foreclosure moratoria indefinitely. — CNN, 27 Mar. 2021 Still, bioethicists say, there is an inclination to feel that the vaccine priority list amounts to a calibration of a person’s societal worth. — New York Times, 10 Mar. 2021 At Crossroads Church, Travis Lowe has struggled with his own inclination to preserve Christian unity at all costs. — Star Tribune, 7 Feb. 2021 The tandem strategy flowed from both political necessity and the President's own inclination. — Kevin Liptak, CNN, 26 June 2021 Marissa’s inclination towards community and a strong support system can be traced back to her Latinx upbringing and can be seen woven through her own career as an entrepreneur and CEO. — Vivian Nunez, Forbes, 18 June 2021 That side of celebrity, so available to him, is rejected not through necessity but inclination. — New York Times, 11 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inclination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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