noun · 13 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Australian:/ˌɪn.kləˈnæɪ.ʃən/
rhymes with -eɪʃən
CMU ARPABET:IH2 N K L AH0 N EY1 SH AH0 N
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A physical tilt or bend.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The inclination of his head increased and he awoke with a start.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A slant or slope.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The road up to the house had a steep inclination.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A tendency.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
His inclination to drink escalated to alcoholism.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The angle of intersection of a reference plane.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: geometry, mathematics, sciences
Examples
The astronomer calculated the inclination of the equator or ecliptic of Earth and the orbital planes of each visible heavenly body.
Artillery must take account of a weapon's precise inclination.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A person or thing loved or admired.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, obsolete, uncountable
Examples
c. 1672-1679, William Temple, Memoirs you make will be a Discovery of your Inclinations
c. 1771, John Adams, speaking in a trial Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
the act of inclining; bending forward
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
an inclination of his head indicated his agreement
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: inclining
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: motion, movement, move, motility
Narrower terms: bob, nod, stoop
7
noun
Meaning 7
a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect
