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 Trump has shown no inclination to adhere to the separation of powers that gives a lead role to Congress. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025 Western inclinations were prevalent, especially in the tiny floral details that were emblazoned throughout the number. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025 Although Gonzales has improved his passing at the urging of Fowler, his first inclination in the post is to get to the basket. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 My inclination is that the Wizards would not regard this deal as one that would move their rebuild forward much. James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near inclination

Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclination. Accessed 13 Feb. 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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