Word
tendency
Phoneticsten·den·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛndənsi/
UK/tˈɛndənsi/
Definitions
01a habit or trend
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a habit of acting or thinking in a certain way, or a pattern that you see over time.
n. an inclination toward a particular characteristic or type of behaviour. Often used with the preposition 'to' or 'towards'.
“She has a tendency to talk very fast when she is nervous.”
“Economists have noted a growing tendency among younger consumers to prioritise sustainable sourcing over brand loyalty when making household purchases.”
Usage
Commonly follows the pattern 'tendency to do something' or 'tendency towards something'.
Pitfall
He has a tendency of arriving late.
He has a tendency to arrive late.
The noun 'tendency' is usually followed by an infinitive (to + verb) rather than 'of' + gerund.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02political faction
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Politics Formal
n. a group of people within a larger political party who share the same specific ideas.
n. a distinct faction or organised subgroup within a larger political party or movement, often holding more radical or specific views than the main body.
“The radical tendency within the party disagreed with the new leadership.”
“The moderate wing of the party struggled to reconcile its platform with the demands of the militant tendency that had gained influence in the northern branches.”
Teaching tip
This sense is quite formal and specific to political history or theory; in everyday conversation, people usually use 'wing' or 'faction'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tendency” in context.
Adjective
01. general tendency
“There is a general tendency for people to spend more money during the holiday season.”
adj + noun
02. greater tendency
“Studies show that children have a greater tendency to learn languages quickly.”
adj + noun
03. natural tendency
“It is a natural tendency to feel nervous before giving a public speech.”
adj + noun
04. strong tendency
“The data indicates a strong tendency toward urbanization in developing countries.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. tendency reflect
“This tendency reflects a growing concern among young voters about the economy.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“The basis for the chameleon-like behavior of language models may be their tendency to flatter.” “This ran counter to a common human tendency: avoiding short-term losses whenever possible.” “Hedge fund managers who understand this tendency, and who have the tools and capital to act on it, take the other side of those trades and profit when prices eventually correct.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin tendentia, from tendens, present participle of tendō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tendency