Prone is used in the sense of "having a tendency or inclination," as in "prone to worry" or "accident-prone."

PRONE meaning: 1. likely to show a particular characteristic, usually a negative one, or to be affected by…. Learn more.

PRONE meaning: 1 : likely to do, have, or suffer from something usually + to; 2 : lying with the front of your body facing downward

prone, prostrate, supine - Prone is lying on your face—facing downwards—which is also true for prostrate, but only in expressing adoration or begging for protection; supine is lying on your back.

Definition of prone adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective prone, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 prone1 /proʊn/ adj. having a natural tendency toward something; disposed; liable; likely to suffer from:[be + ~ + to] was …

Dec 26, 2025 · prone (third-person singular simple present prones, present participle proning, simple past and past participle proned) (medicine) To place in a prone position, to place face down.

PRONE definition: having a natural inclination or tendency to something; disposed; liable. See examples of prone used in a sentence.

PRONE definition: 1. to often do something or suffer from something, especially something bad: 2. often having…. Learn more.