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 of ingrained

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

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 article posits that despite significant legal and social progress, cultural prejudice stubbornly persists, revealing that equality under law doesn't automatically eliminate ingrained biases. —Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

The concept became so ingrained at Villanova that the word became near Pavlovian. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026

There are few garments more ingrained in the preppy aesthetic than short-sleeve polo shirts. —Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 25 May 2026

Has this behavior become so ingrained in our culture that it is accepted normalcy? —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ingrained

• appertained
• ascertained
• entertained
• overstrained
• preordained
• unconstrained
• unexplained
• unrestrained
• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained

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