inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌiŋ-

1

: a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action

The door has an inclination to stick.

They have an inclination towards bragging.

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

someone with artistic inclinations

had little inclination for housekeeping

b

obsolete : natural disposition : character

inclinational

ˌin-klə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌiŋ-

adjective

Synonyms of inclination

• tendency
• aptitude
• devices
• affinity

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 ultimate challenge is winning backing from rural states and from Republicans with little inclination to lift a finger for left-leaning Hollywood. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

While your first inclination might be to use a face or body scrub, dermatologists recommend a gentle moisturizer packed with rich emollients and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

The president, himself a billionaire, has described his inclination toward appointing the ultrawealthy as deference to financial success. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Swiftly setting up launch sites allows military planners to confuse potential enemies, exploit unpredictable launch azimuths and trajectories for defense, complicate hostile tracking, and gain access to polar or high-inclination orbits. — David Szondy august 15, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4b

Rhymes for inclination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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