# propensity

/pɹəˈpɛnsɪti/ (US) · /pɹəpˈɛnsɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/propensity
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a natural tendency to behave in a certain way. You use this when someone often does something, especially something bad.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a propensity of violence" but "a propensity for violence" — Propensity typically takes the preposition 'for' when followed by a noun, rather than 'of'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.