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Definition of proclivity

proclivity

/proʊˈklɪv.ə.ti/
pro · cliv · i · ty
Plural:proclivities
•
Adjective:proclivitous
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proclivity Lexical Profile

proclivity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A natural or habitual inclination, tendency, or predisposition toward a particular behavior, activity, or state, especially one perceived as undesirable or hard to resist.

Example

"His proclivity for procrastination often meant that he worked late into the night before major deadlines."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for proclivity
Antonyms
View all antonyms for proclivity

Word Nuance & Usage

'Proclivity' is commonly followed by the prepositions 'for' or 'toward' (or an infinitive with 'to'), and it often carries a subtle connotation of a predisposition toward something habitual, questionable, or difficult to resist.

• Rhymes for proclivity

• Nearby Words

proclaim
proclaimer
proclamation
proclivity
procrastinate
procrastination
procrastinator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'proclivitas', meaning 'a downward slope' or 'inclination', from 'proclivis' ('sloping forward'), combining 'pro-' ('forward') and 'clivus' ('slope' or 'hill').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Proclivity. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/proclivity
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