inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯrn 

1

: present from or as if from birth

2

: hereditary, inherited

Synonyms

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Choose the Right Synonym for inborn

innate, inborn, inbred, congenital, hereditary mean not acquired after birth.

innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.

her inborn love of nature

inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.

inbred political loyalties

congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.

a congenital heart murmur

eye color is hereditary

Examples of inborn in a Sentence

She has an inborn talent for music.

That kind of knowledge is acquired, not inborn.

Recent Examples on the Web

His nightly healing symbolizes the inborn and relentless power of Man for revitalization and regeneration, his inalienable creative capacity. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

The person who has no inborn sense of aidos, who can neither sense nor respect the force fields surrounding the great powers, is in danger. —Lewis Hyde, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Solo play, though accounted for in development, is a sort of ultra-challenge mode that most players are not going to be able to do at all, especially with no inborn self-revive, even one instance. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Platt notes that this change in approach came at a time when popular ideas about race were shifting toward a focus on inborn, genetic differences. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inborn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn

Kids Definition

inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: born in one : not acquired by training or experience : natural, instinctive

an inborn ability to grow flowers

2

: hereditary sense 1, inherited

an inborn defect in metabolism

Medical Definition

inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

: hereditary, inherited

inborn errors of metabolism