inherent

American

[in-her-uhnt, -heer-] / ɪnˈhɛr ənt, -ˈhɪər- /

adjective

existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute; inhering.

an inherent distrust of strangers.

Synonyms:

ingrained, inbred, native, innate
Grammar. standing before a noun.

inherent British

/ ɪnˈhɪərənt, -ˈhɛr- /

adjective

existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See essential.

Other Word Forms

inherently adverb
noninherent adjective
uninherent adjective

Etymology

Origin of inherent

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin inhaerent- (stem of inhaerēns ), present participle of the verb inhaerēre inhere; -ent

Compare meaning

How does inherent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

inherent vs. intrinsic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At times, Day said the inherent impermanence of the spotlight gets to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite the show’s inherent absurdity, “there’s truly a lot of consumer demand for it,” Justine Moore, a partner on the investing team at Andreessen Horowitz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Hamilton added that he, too, saw the paradox inherent in the new rules.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

In January, he said he aimed for transparency in explaining to them the inherent risks of his career and his coming journey.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

However, with my mother acting as director, the inherent tragedy would soon become melodrama.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023