tendency

(noun) an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others. Synonyms: inclination, disposition. Examples: "He had an inclination to give up too easily." "A tendency to be too strict."

(noun) an inclination to do something. Synonyms: leaning, propensity. Examples: "He felt leanings toward frivolity."

(noun) a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect. Synonyms: inclination. Examples: "The alkaline inclination of the local waters." "Fabric with a tendency to shrink."

(noun) a general direction in which something tends to move. Synonyms: trend. Examples: "The shoreward tendency of the current." "The trend of the stock market."