Word
propensity
Phoneticspropen·si·ty
US/pɹəˈpɛnsɪti/
UK/pɹəpˈɛnsɪti/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a natural tendency to behave in a certain way. You use this when someone often does something, especially something bad.
n. an innate inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. Often associated with habitual or characteristic patterns of conduct.
Examples
“He has a propensity for getting into trouble.”
“The researcher noted that certain plants show a propensity to grow toward the light even in shaded conditions.”
“Economists have long studied the marginal propensity to consume, which measures how much extra income a household is likely to spend rather than save.”
Examples
simple
“He has a propensity for getting into trouble.”
contextual
“The researcher noted that certain plants show a propensity to grow toward the light even in shaded conditions.”
complex
“Economists have long studied the marginal propensity to consume, which measures how much extra income a household is likely to spend rather than save.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “propensity” in context.
Verb
01. have propensity
“Some individuals have a propensity for taking risks that others would find terrifying.”
verb + noun
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.
Pitfall
a propensity of violence
a propensity for violence
Propensity typically takes the preposition 'for' when followed by a noun, rather than 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“Announcing that she "wants it all" before these championships, Hunt, even in these early stages of her senior career, has demonstrated a propensity to thrive on major stages, and under ever-increasing expectation.” “Judge Cheema-Grubb said Razzell "has a propensity to violence against women and that without some recognition of that aspect of his personality he remains a danger to women who come within his milieu".” Etymology
Learned borrowing from New Latin prōpensitās. By surface analysis, propense (“inclined, disposed”) + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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