inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce inclination (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But several other populist Trump allies who have shown no inclination to leave power have made their judiciaries a central target. Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025 The report cites a growing consumer inclination toward advanced lip care solutions, and effective alternatives to traditional lip balms and glosses. Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 If someone comes to you to vent, your inclination may be to give advice or solve the problem rather than to be present and listen with empathy, Kass added. Cathy Cassata, Health, 14 Mar. 2025 Adults also didn’t feel properly informed of Amazon’s inclination toward keeping Alexa recordings unless prompted not to until 2019—five years after the first Echo came out. Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inclination

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inclination was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclination. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inclination

noun
in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce inclination (audio)
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 How to pronounce inclination (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

inclination

noun
in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, ˌiŋ- How to pronounce inclination (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inclination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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