tendency

Noun

• a general direction in which something tends to move
  • the shoreward tendency of the current
    
  • the trend of the stock market
    

• 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
    

• an inclination to do something
  • he felt leanings toward frivolity
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  trend , inclination , leaning , propensity , disposition