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

• inherent
• intrinsic
• constitutional
• constitutive

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

After their missions, astronauts would walk through the office and thank the thousands of engineers for getting them back home safely to their families—that’s how deeply ingrained trust and safety were in our systems. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025

This quintessential coastline is as much ingrained in the city’s DNA as are its famous hills and iconic boulevards. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025

But the best carpet cleaners deliver a deep clean that will wet-wash your rugs to lift ingrained dirt and lingering odors. —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 11 Oct. 2025

Plus, it's become undeniably ingrained in sports culture. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025

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