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

That moment revealed how deeply ingrained texture bias is and strengthened her commitment to ensure women know that all hair types are beautiful. —Essence, 30 Nov. 2025

Even organic growers were not exempt from conduct that appeared deeply ingrained. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Nov. 2025

But perhaps the memory that’s most ingrained in Chinchar’s mind from Mesidor’s year in Clearwater came in their 30-28 comeback victory against Bradenton Braden River. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Nov. 2025

By the 1960s, the Royal was so ingrained in the city’s culture that when Major League Baseball’s office of the commissioner granted Kansas City a new baseball team, Kansas Citians chose to name it the Royals. —Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 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