definition of
tendency

[1] #1 tendency n. [inclination, disposition] an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others; "he had an inclination to give up too easily"; "a tendency to be too strict". wn

[2] #2 tendency n. [leaning, propensity] an inclination to do something; "he felt leanings toward frivolity". wn

[3] #3 tendency n. [inclination] a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect; "the alkaline inclination of the local waters"; "fabric with a tendency to shrink". wn

[4] #4 tendency n. [trend] a general direction in which something tends to move; "the shoreward tendency of the current"; "the trend of the stock market". wn