ten ‧ den ‧ cy S3 W3 /ˈtendənsi/ BrE AmE noun ( plural tendencies ) [countable]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: tendentia , from Latin tendere ; ⇨ ↑ tend ]
1 . if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it
a tendency to do something
Greg’s tendency to be critical made him unpopular with his co-workers.
The drug is effective but has a tendency to cause headaches.
tendency to/towards
Some people may inherit a tendency to alcoholism.
tendency for
Researchers believe that the tendency for diabetes is present at birth.
2 . a general change or development in a particular direction
there is a tendency (for somebody) to do something
There is an increasing tendency for women to have children later in life.
tendency to/towards
a general tendency towards conservation and recycling
tendency among
a tendency among Americans to get married at a later age
3 . aggressive/suicidal/criminal/artistic etc tendencies a part of someone’s character that makes them likely to behave in a certain way or become an artist, criminal etc:
children with aggressive or anti-social tendencies
4 . [ also + plural verb British English ] a group within a larger political group that supports ideas that are usually more extreme than those of the main group:
the growing fascist tendency
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 3)
■ adjectives
▪ a natural tendency (=one you are born with)
His recent experiences had reinforced a strong natural tendency towards caution.
▪ an inherent/innate tendency (=one that you are born with, which will not change)
When attacked, some people have an inherent tendency to fight back.
▪ a strong tendency
There is a strong tendency to give dying patients far more drugs than are necessary.
▪ a marked tendency (=noticeable)
There is a marked tendency for Hollywood marriages to end in divorce.
▪ aggressive/violent tendencies
Some breeds of dog have aggressive tendencies.
▪ suicidal tendencies
They failed to inform the prison authorities of the man's suicidal tendencies.
▪ criminal tendencies
How should we deal with young people who have criminal tendencies?
▪ artistic tendencies
As he grew up, he displayed artistic tendencies.