Prone

/proʊn/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Likely to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something undesirable.
He is prone to making mistakes when he is tired.
Having a tendency to be affected by something.
Children are more prone to illness during the winter months.
Lying flat or with the front facing downward.
She was found prone on the ground after the fall.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin pronus 'bent forward, inclined'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

prone to error:
Likely to make mistakes.
prone position:
A body position where one is lying flat.
prone to exaggeration:
Tending to overstate or embellish.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To be in a bad situation or likely to fail.
With all the mistakes he made, he's pretty much prone.
Prone to drama or exaggeration in situations.
She's so prone, every little thing is a big deal.