ingrained
adjective
in·grained
ˈin-ˌgrānd 
(ˌ)in-ˈgrānd
(ˌ)in-ˈgrānd
variants
or less commonly engrained
1
: forming a part of the essence or inmost being : deep-seated
ingrained prejudice
2
: worked into the grain or fiber
Examples of ingrained in a Sentence
These attitudes are very deeply ingrained in the culture.
her deeply ingrained distrust of all authority
Recent Examples on the Web
The ingrained reflex to center the crosshairs on the target and let fly takes over – and can lead to a gutshot deer or one that takes a bullet through the brisket that won’t kill it quickly.
—
John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026
Leaving the door closed for around another five minutes allows the steam to circulate and loosen ingrained grime on the interior surfaces of your microwave.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
The dysfunction of the franchise from ownership down is so ingrained that Saleh’s 20-36 record from 2021 and into 2024 isn’t likely to be held against him.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
The vast majority of Singaporeans live in affordable public housing that's subsidized by the government, and the food scene revolves around hawker centers, or food courts with cheap eats and community seating that's so ingrained in the culture, it's recognized and protected by UNESCO.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ingrained
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John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026
Leaving the door closed for around another five minutes allows the steam to circulate and loosen ingrained grime on the interior surfaces of your microwave.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
The dysfunction of the franchise from ownership down is so ingrained that Saleh’s 20-36 record from 2021 and into 2024 isn’t likely to be held against him.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
The vast majority of Singaporeans live in affordable public housing that's subsidized by the government, and the food scene revolves around hawker centers, or food courts with cheap eats and community seating that's so ingrained in the culture, it's recognized and protected by UNESCO.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ingrained
Cite this Entry
“Ingrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrained. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ingrained
adjective
in·grained
ˈin-ˌgrānd
(ˈ)in-ˈgrānd
(ˈ)in-ˈgrānd
1
: worked into the grain or fiber
2
: forming a part of the inmost being : deep-seated
ingrained attitudes
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