ingrained

adjective

in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd  (ˌ)in-ˈgrānd 

variants or less commonly engrained

(ˌ)in-ˈgrānd 

1

: forming a part of the essence or inmost being : deep-seated

ingrained prejudice

2

: worked into the grain or fiber

ingrainedly

ˈin-ˌgrā-nəd-lē 

ˈin-ˌgrānd-lē

(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē 

-ˈgrānd-

adverb

or less commonly engrainedly

(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē 

-ˈgrānd-

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• hardwired
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

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

Violent, chaotic images remain ingrained in our minds after Saturday's historic shooting at a presidential campaign rally in rural Pennsylvania. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 15 July 2024

While all this discourse is funny and ultimately inconsequential, the snarkiness and backlash is an annoying reminder that the patriarchal structures of the corporate world are still ingrained in so many of us. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 15 July 2024

But perhaps no event is more deeply ingrained in the region’s psyche than the Camp fire, which remains California’s deadliest wildfire to date and left wounds that have been slow to heal. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2024

Americana Pizza, Reel Foods seafood market, Boise Cold Storage — the inconspicuous sandstone building next to Rhodes Skate Park under the Boise Connector has been a part of Boise history for over a century and housed businesses that have become ingrained in the local community. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ingrained

adjective

in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd  (ˈ)in-ˈgrānd 

1

: worked into the grain or fiber

2

: forming a part of the inmost being : deep-seated

ingrained attitudes