suicidal tendencies

USAGE SUMMARY

"suicidal tendencies" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would generally use this phrase to refer to someone having thoughts or behaviors that could indicate a risk of suicide. For example, "After Mary lost her job, her friends noticed her sudden change in behavior, and began to worry about her suicidal tendencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it definitely concluded that humanity has suicidal tendencies".

The Guardian

He cited her confessions of suicidal tendencies in an autobiography.

The New York Times

A quarter of referral partners reported that clients referred to food banks were displaying "suicidal tendencies".

The Guardian

This seems natural, as the characters are both indecisive brooders with suicidal tendencies.

The New York Times

He has been diagnosed by medical experts as suffering from autism, depression and suicidal tendencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Patients should speak with their doctor first, because the effects of withdrawal can worsen suicidal tendencies.

The New York Times

As a sufferer of bipolar disease, he battled depression and suicidal tendencies.

The Guardian - Books

There are Mr. Constantine's unfounded fears that suicidal tendencies might overtake the governor.

The New York Times

Newspaper advertisements are warning teenagers that marijuana users risk depression, suicidal tendencies and schizophrenia.

The Economist

Prosecutors say medical records from six years ago also mentioned "suicidal tendencies".

Independent

Eventually, he was unable to master his self-doubt, and he succumbed to his suicidal tendencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical writing, consider using the more specific term "suicidal ideation" if referring strictly to thoughts and plans rather than physical actions

Common error

Do not use "suicidal tendencies" casually or metaphorically to describe minor risks or poor decisions, as it is a serious clinical term that demands sensitivity and professional context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suicidal tendencies" functions as a noun phrase composed of the adjective "suicidal" and the plural noun "tendencies". In many examples from Ludwig, it serves as the direct object of verbs like "displaying", "suffering from" or "mentioning". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness in both journalistic and scientific discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As analyzed by Ludwig, "suicidal tendencies" is a robust and universally recognized phrase used to describe serious psychological indicators. It appears with high frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, often in contexts involving mental health reports, criminal justice and military screenings. Ludwig AI highlights that while it is technically correct and common in clinical descriptions, it also possesses a strong cultural identity as the name of a seminal punk band. Writers should maintain a high degree of sensitivity when using this phrase and ensure it is clearly distinguished from more specific clinical terms like "suicidal ideation" when necessary. Overall, the phrase is an essential part of the lexicon for discussing mental health and risk assessment in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suicidal ideation

uses more formal medical terminology often preferred in clinical and psychological research.

suicidal thoughts

provides a more common and accessible way to describe the psychological experience of the individual.

suicidal inclinations

replaces tendencies with a synonym that implies a personal disposition or preference.

suicidal behavior

focuses on observable actions rather than internal psychological trends.

suicidal leanings

serves as a softer, less clinical synonym often found in literary or historical descriptions.

suicidal impulses

emphasizes the sudden and driving nature of the urge rather than a general trend.

propensity for suicide

uses highly formal language to indicate an increased statistical or personal likelihood.

self-destructive behavior

broadens the focus to actions that are harmful to the self but may not be explicitly lethal.

self-harming tendencies

specifically highlights the habit of intentional injury which may or may not be suicidal in intent.

auto-destructive patterns

uses technical terminology to describe repetitive self-harming cycles.

FAQs

Is "suicidal tendencies" a clinical term?

Yes, it is frequently used in psychology and medicine to describe a pattern of behavior or thought. For a more formal clinical context, experts often use "suicidal ideation".

What can I say instead of "suicidal tendencies"?

You can use alternatives like "suicidal thoughts", "suicidal inclinations" or "self-destructive behavior" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Should I capitalize "suicidal tendencies"?

Only capitalize the phrase if you are referring to the American punk/metal band "Suicidal Tendencies". When used as a medical or psychological description, it should remain lowercase.

What is the difference between "suicidal tendencies" and "suicidal ideation"?

While often used interchangeably, "suicidal ideation" specifically refers to thinking about or planning suicide, whereas "suicidal tendencies" is a broader term that can include both thoughts and physical behaviors.