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 idea is to insulate yourself against the market’s inherent volatility, and to have sufficient cash to cover your expenses in a downturn. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

There is, too, the inherent kitsch in reducing one of the richest, most intellectually prismatic works in English literature to an instrument of healing. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025

Studies included weather conditions inherent to the specific geography of the areas, native and invasive vegetation, utilities companies, and agencies that service the areas were also analyzed in the report. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025

The difficult conversations inherent to collaboration can be avoided — but employees don’t get the chance to work through a challenge and grow their communication and problem-solving skills. —Frank Nagle, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025

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