English · Word Candidate

tendency

/ˈtɛn.dən.si/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: tendencies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

Noun

Denim has a tendency to fade.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.

Noun

Mao launched the struggle against the vulgar materialist tendency within the party as early as 1937.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “tendency” mean?

A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

Is “tendency” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.