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
4
a
: a particular disposition of mind or character : propensity
b
obsolete
: natural disposition : character
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
This told them that all coral structures take their shape from individual polyps’ microscopic inclinations.
—
Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
His geopolitical inclinations have not changed, and his antidemocratic tendencies have only gotten worse.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
That same inclination later drew the executive to music producing, too.
—Noor Lobad, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
Your second inclination might be to call a plumber.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inclination
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Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
His geopolitical inclinations have not changed, and his antidemocratic tendencies have only gotten worse.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
That same inclination later drew the executive to music producing, too.
—Noor Lobad, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
Your second inclination might be to call a plumber.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inclination
Cite this Entry
“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclination. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
4
: a quality which leads to some state or action
the door has an inclination to stick
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
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