inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈher-ənt 

also

-ˈhir- 

: belonging to the basic nature of something or someone : involved in the constitution or essential character of something : intrinsic

risks inherent in the venture

a belief in the inherent goodness of people

problems inherent in the design

There is an inherent sweetness to all of the characters, and to the show.

—Bill Goodykoontz

inherently adverb

Did you know?

Don't Get Stuck on the Meaning of Inherent

Inherent literally refers to something that is "stuck in" something else so firmly that they can't be separated. A plan may have an inherent flaw that will cause it to fail; a person may have inherent virtues that everyone admires. Since the flaw and the virtues can't be removed, the plan may simply have to be thrown out and the person will remain virtuous forever.

Synonyms of inherent

• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Examples of inherent in a Sentence

It is one more proof that our world has lost the kind of exquisite sensibility displayed by John Milton when he came up with his definition of poetry. He first wrote "simple, sensual, and passionate," but he was bothered by the grossness inherent in "sensual," and so he invented the word "sensuous." —Florence King, National Review, 24 Sept. 2007

There were those who trusted the innate goodness of humanity, and those who believed in its inherent crookedness. —Terry Eagleton, Harper's, March 2005

The problem … is inherent and perennial in any democracy, but it has been more severe in ours during the past quarter-century because of the near universal denigration of government, politics and politicians. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 29 Oct. 2001

He has an inherent sense of fair play.

an inherent concept of justice

Recent Examples on the Web

The experience is…less fun, although bad film aficionados know that some level of tedium is inherent to almost all of the most canonical worst movies ever. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026

In addition to the sweat-masking technology, Coolmax CloakFX™ fiber comes with the performance properties inherent to Coolmax® fibers, including moisture wicking and breathability. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Washington’s misadventure was not an aberration so much as the ultimate expression of the inherent vice of its Middle East strategy. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

This timeline is an inherent feature of rigorous science, not a flaw. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre — see inhere

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inherent

• adherent
• coherent
• incoherent

Kids Definition

inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt 

-ˈher-

: belonging to or being a part of the nature of a person or thing

an inherent sense of fair play

fluidity is an inherent quality of gas

inherently adverb

Medical Definition

inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt  in-ˈher- 

: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature

the skin's inherent elasticity

—Kathleen C. Engles

inherently adverb