inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈher-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
also
-ˈhir- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : intrinsic
risks inherent in the venture
inherently adverb

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Don't Get Stuck on the Meaning of Inherent

Inherent literally refers to something that is "stuck in" something else so firmly that they can't be separated. A plan may have an inherent flaw that will cause it to fail; a person may have inherent virtues that everyone admires. Since the flaw and the virtues can't be removed, the plan may simply have to be thrown out and the person will remain virtuous forever.

Examples of inherent in a Sentence

It is one more proof that our world has lost the kind of exquisite sensibility displayed by John Milton when he came up with his definition of poetry. He first wrote "simple, sensual, and passionate," but he was bothered by the grossness inherent in "sensual," and so he invented the word "sensuous." Florence King, National Review, 24 Sept. 2007
There were those who trusted the innate goodness of humanity, and those who believed in its inherent crookedness. Terry Eagleton, Harper's, March 2005
The problem … is inherent and perennial in any democracy, but it has been more severe in ours during the past quarter-century because of the near universal denigration of government, politics and politicians. Michael Kinsley, Time, 29 Oct. 2001
He has an inherent sense of fair play. an inherent concept of justice
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are other smaller objects too, collected and curated to best inspire, full of meaning and sentiment; the potency of these objects lies in their creative charge—their inherent inspirational potential just waiting to be drawn out through the process of writing. Katie Da Cunha Lewin september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 That specimen formed the basis of the new reconstruction, which used cutting-edge CT scanning, light imaging and virtual techniques to separate the bones from the rock matrix that encased them, and to correct the distortions inherent in the fossil. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 The inherent instability and a limited understanding of degradation mechanisms have prevented the practical application of the perovskite material group. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 Existentialism and absurdism both begin with the belief that life lacks inherent meaning and that no divine force gives us purpose. Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inherent

Word History

Etymology

Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre — see inhere

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inherent was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inherent. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inherent

adjective
in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
-ˈher-
: belonging to or being a part of the nature of a person or thing
an inherent sense of fair play
fluidity is an inherent quality of gas
inherently adverb

Medical Definition

inherent

adjective
in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio) in-ˈher- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature
the skin's inherent elasticityKathleen C. Engles
inherently adverb

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