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
Bill Goodykoontz
inherently
adverb
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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.
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
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
Even though satellite internet has inherent latency and potential speed variability, Starlink’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite architecture offers lower latency than many legacy satellite providers.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
This inherent familiarity could be a big reason why infused beverages have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cannabis industry; the global market is projected to crack $2 billion in annual revenue by 2026.
—Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Ruehle is practically legendary in baseball now for the wit inherent in his song cues, as well as for making sure the energy doesn’t flag in the stadium.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
No administrative reform can make the program fair because the imbalance of power is inherent to its design.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inherent
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Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
This inherent familiarity could be a big reason why infused beverages have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cannabis industry; the global market is projected to crack $2 billion in annual revenue by 2026.
—Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Ruehle is practically legendary in baseball now for the wit inherent in his song cues, as well as for making sure the energy doesn’t flag in the stadium.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
No administrative reform can make the program fair because the imbalance of power is inherent to its design.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inherent
Cite this Entry
“Inherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inherent. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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-
in-ˈher-
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature
the skin's inherent elasticity—Kathleen C. Engles
Kathleen C. Engles
inherently
adverb
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