plural inclinations
1
: a feeling of wanting to do something : a tendency to do something
She shows no/little inclination to give in to their demands.
He's a loner by inclination.
My first/initial/natural inclination was to say no, but I finally decided to do what she asked.
We can either go now or plan to go later. What's your inclination? [=what are you inclined to do?; what do you want to do?]
I have neither the time nor the inclination to learn about such matters.
a person with artistic inclinations [=a person who wants to do artistic things]
Her natural inclination [=tendency] is to do what other people are doing.
The door has an inclination to stick. [=the door often sticks; the door tends to stick]
He has an inclination to brag. = He has an inclination towards bragging.
2
: a slanting surface : slope
a steep inclination
3
: the act of bending your head or body forward : the act of inclining your head or body
He acknowledged us with a slight inclination [=(more commonly) nod] of his head.
Cite this Entry
“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inclination. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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