hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired ˈhärd-ˌwī(-ə)rd 

1

: implemented in the form of permanent electronic circuits

also : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections

a hardwired phone

concepts of attractiveness may be universal and hardwired into the human brain

—Jane E. Brody

2

: genetically or innately determined : inborn

… creature whose every action is a reflexive, hardwired response …

—Natalie Angier

also : genetically or innately predisposed

… a human being who is hardwired to be sociable.

—Forbes

Synonyms of hardwired

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Examples of hardwired in a Sentence

a cat with a hardwired compulsion to knock expensive knickknacks off of shelves

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost an arched floor lamp, the angular appearance offers a similar level of overhead lighting without the need for sky-high ceilings or a hardwired fixture. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026

The answer is that our brains are not hardwired to think like economists. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026

And our worst attributes are sort of being hardwired into its source code. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026

The slowdowns are shifting from intelligence to hardwired and manually built infrastructure. —Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardwired

• acquired
• admired
• backfired
• conspired
• desired
• enquired
• inquired
• inspired
• rehired
• required
• respired
• transpired

Kids Definition

hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired -ˌwī(ə)rd 

: having or done using or as if using permanent electronic circuits or connections

a hardwired phone

a parent hardwired to defend their child