propensity
Americannoun
plural
propensities-
a natural inclination or tendency.
a propensity to drink too much.
- Synonyms:
- proclivity, penchant, disposition, leaning, bent
-
Obsolete. favorable disposition or partiality.
noun
-
a natural tendency or disposition
-
obsolete partiality
Etymology
Origin of propensity
Compare meaning
How does propensity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The judge would have to infer guilt from the fact that stories contained private information, and, he claimed, Mail journalists had a "propensity" to use unlawful methods.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
At times they’ve shown a propensity for high-powered offense.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026
Top-income earners have a lower marginal propensity to consume.
From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026
“When you look at the baby boomer demographic, it is about to enter the 80s. When you are 80 and above, your propensity to require these services goes up dramatically,” he said.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026
And it’s a little too close to my own propensity for lying to be comfortable.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
