A tendency is a pattern of behavior or thought that someone or something leans toward or does repeatedly. If you have a tendency to lose your pencils, it means you often misplace them, even when you're trying to be careful. If your dog has a tendency to bark at squirrels, that's what he does most of the time when he sees one.

Tendencies aren't absolute rules. They describe what usually happens, not what always happens. A student might have a tendency to rush through math problems, meaning she often works too quickly, though sometimes she slows down and checks her work carefully. A basketball player might have a tendency to shoot from the left side of the court, his preferred spot even though he can shoot from anywhere.

Understanding tendencies helps us recognize patterns and make better choices. When you notice you have a tendency to forget your homework on Fridays, you can create a reminder system. When a soccer goalie studies a striker's tendency to aim for the lower right corner, she can position herself accordingly.