TENDENCY

[noun] [C]If you have a particular tendency, you are likely to behave in that way or like that particular thing.His tendency to exaggerate is well known. [+ to infinitive]She showed musical tendencies from an early age.He's always had a tendency towards (= He has always liked) fast cars.How do we know if we have a hereditary tendency towards (= if we are likely to suffer from) a particular disease?If there is a tendency for something to happen, it is likely to happen or it often happens.There is a tendency for unemployment to rise in the summer.If there is a tendency to do something, it starts to happen more often or starts to increase.There is a growing tendency to (= More and more people are starting to) regard money more highly than quality of life. [+ to infinitive]