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

Memories of Lightnin’s ‘magical’ era Soon, the historic 1981 season began, featuring stories that have become ingrained in the memories of Young and McGillicuddy. —Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025

Navigating challenges in a setting where saving face is deeply ingrained in the culture taught me profound lessons. —Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Gemini Live Takes Center Stage Google's Gemini Live now plays an even bigger role in Samsung's Galaxy AI experience and is more deeply ingrained in the One UI 8 platform. —PC Magazine, 10 July 2025

The downside is that New Yorkers are ingrained to be blasé about all their riches. —Chicago Tribune, 9 July 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