English Reference
Adjective

congenital

adj.
C1 Advanced US /kənˈdʒɛnətəɫ/ UK /kəndʒˈɛnɪtəl/ con·gen·i·tal

adj.describing a condition or trait that you have from the moment you are born. It often refers to medical issues, but it can also describe a deep part of someone's character.

adj.present from birth, especially regarding a medical condition or a deep-seated character trait. Often used to describe physical defects or chronic habits that seem inherent to an individual.


SIMPLE

The doctors treated his congenital heart condition.

CONTEXTUAL

The baby was born with a congenital defect that required immediate surgery to ensure proper development.

COMPLEX

While some scholars argue his dishonesty was a learned survival mechanism, others viewed him as a congenital liar who could not help but distort the truth even in trivial matters.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently collocates with 'defect', 'disorder', or 'liar'.

This advancement paves the way for understanding how organ development may go awry in people with certain congenital conditions.

Phys.org· 21 Aug 2026

Researchers have discovered that a gene linked to congenital heart disease acts like an architect for the heart cell’s DNA.

ScienceDaily· 13 Aug 2026

From Latin congenitus + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin congenitus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated