inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈher-ənt 

also

-ˈhir- 

: belonging to the basic nature of something or someone : involved in the constitution or essential character of something : intrinsic

risks inherent in the venture

a belief in the inherent goodness of people

problems inherent in the design

There is an inherent sweetness to all of the characters, and to the show.

—Bill Goodykoontz

inherently adverb

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of inherent

• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

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

Mojo in popular modern English usage means an inherent magic, power, or ability. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

The irony inherent in their apprenticeship is that John, an overeducated, overqualified Black millennial who possesses every skill a Lantern could conceivably need, has already spent his entire life training to do what Hal does. — Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

Economists caution against over-interpreting single-month CPI figures due to their inherent variability and sampling methods. — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

These episodes are unfolding against a broader cyber arms race, accelerated by frontier AI models and the inherent risks brought by fast-moving technological capabilities. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inherent

• adherent
• coherent
• incoherent

Kids Definition

inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt 

-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  in-ˈher- 

: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature

the skin's inherent elasticity

—Kathleen C. Engles

inherently adverb