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

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

There's an inclination to go further and deeper, to be more spontaneous and creative, with bucket lists overflowing. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2024

Read: The mystery of partner ‘convergence’ That might appear a little different from the kinds of niche inclinations my friends told me about. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2024

Current premier and Xi protégé Li Qiang, who was expected to lead the closing event this time, however, has not appeared to have such an inclination. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024

Plenty of other moments rely on Mitski’s Patsy Cline inclinations to a far subtler degree, although the amount of pedal steel, fiddle and accordion played by Nashville alt-country veteran Fats Kaplan, the ace in her seven-piece band, is telltale about where this round of influences lies. —Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

However, this inclination to downplay difficulties underscores a broader societal norm where vulnerability is often stigmatized and hidden—which is further demonstrated by the misattribution of recovery to competent characters. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Foster good habits and an inclination to help around the house with this fun light-up vacuum. —Julie Evans, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

The actor will discuss his childhood in the Bronx, as well as his early artistic inclinations. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024

But Father Flynn, following the spirit of the recent Second Vatican Council, and presumably his own inclinations, does not lead with fear. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024

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