/ˈtendənsi ||; ˈtɛndənsɪ/noun [C] (plural tendencies)a tendency (to do sth/towards sth) something that a person or thing usually does; a way of behaving 倾向；趋向；行为方式: They both have a tendency to be late for appointments. 他们两个人赴约往往会迟到。The dog began to show vicious tendencies. 那只狗开始露出凶相。She seems to have a tendency towards depression. 她似乎容易情绪消沉。