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

Although the natural inclination is to think of a marathon as something done on foot, or by people who are known as ambulatory, the NYC Marathon does have a program for the race that’s inclusive of wheelchair users. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Read: The redemption of the bad mother America loves mothers more than women, an inclination the 2024 election has demonstrated in abundance. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2024

Since joining the company, the CEO has revamped the company’s structure, balancing the personalities of the sister duo by splitting their roles to enhance their personality and inclination. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 10 Oct. 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