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 The Twins need both quantity and quality, especially since this organization shows no inclination to outbid the richest teams for top-dollar pitching in free agency. — Star Tribune, 15 July 2021 Countless small business owners don’t have the inclination to have their teams work remotely. — Wayne Elsey, Forbes, 6 July 2021 Cupp, who for months has deflected reporters’ questions about Householder’s fate, has also shown no inclination to move quickly for a vote on either resolution. — Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland, 26 May 2021 Biden has shown no inclination to defer current spending. — John Harwood, CNN, 12 May 2021 In addition to her natural inclination to assist all families, Iafrate had a special connection to Judi’s. — BostonGlobe.com, 22 July 2021 The result is some cities are working to update their methods, while others may lack the resources or inclination to do so. — Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2021 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

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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