tendency
noun
ˈtendənsi 
ˈtendənsi 
1 [countable] if somebody/something has a particular tendency, they are likely to behave or act in a particular wayto display artistic, etc. tendenciestendency (for somebody/something) (to do something) I have a tendency to talk too much when I'm nervous.There is a tendency for this disease to run in families.This material has a tendency to shrink when washed.tendency (to/towards something) She has a strong natural tendency towards caution.2 [countable] tendency (for somebody/something) (to do something)| tendency (to/towards something) a new custom that is starting to developSynonym
trendThere is a growing tendency among employers to hire casual staff.3 [countable + singular or plural verb] (British English) a group within a larger political group, whose views are more extreme than those of the rest of the groupthe militant tendency