inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈher-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
also
-ˈhir- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : intrinsic
risks inherent in the venture
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
Recent Examples on the Web Once again, we’re reminded that no one wins in a fight, except the moviegoer, who gets to satisfy an inherent bloodlust by indulging in the second-hand thrills of an epic barroom brawl in Margaritaville. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2024 Some states allow the family to recover damages for suffering and grief – recognizing a person’s inherent value, not only their economic value. Katherine Drabiak, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The depth of meaning in a single vote comes from our troubled history, our collective ability to effect change and the dignity inherent in expressing our singular desires to the lofty state, as well as to our next-door neighbor. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Ultimately, Henson's journey serves as a stirring reminder of the transformative potential inherent in self-advocacy and financial empowerment. Kalina Bryant, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024 Polar Opposites Monday’s arguments, spanning nearly four hours, underscored the legal confusion inherent to regulating the internet that remains. Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 These measures reflect an inherent desire to unroot antiquated, unhelpful parts of office culture and replace them with ones rooted in employee enrichment and support. Dylan Taylor, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inherent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inherent was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near inherent

Cite this Entry

“Inherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inherent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inherent

adjective
in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
-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 How to pronounce inherent (audio) in-ˈher- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature
the skin's inherent elasticityKathleen C. Engles
inherently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inherent

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