Word
hardwired
Phoneticshard·wired
US/ˌhɑɹdˈwaɪɝd/
UK/hˈɑːdwaɪəd/
Definition
adj. built into something so it works automatically and is hard to change. You use it for machines with fixed wiring and for human habits that feel natural.
adj. Fixed in physical circuitry or innate constitution rather than established by software or learning. Often extended to deeply ingrained human behavior resistant to change.
Examples
“Humans seem hardwired to notice faces in a crowd.”
“The old thermostat is hardwired to the wall, so you cannot move it without an electrician.”
“Although the security camera is hardwired into the building's power supply, its recording schedule remains configurable through software updates.”
Examples
simple
“Humans seem hardwired to notice faces in a crowd.”
contextual
“The old thermostat is hardwired to the wall, so you cannot move it without an electrician.”
complex
“Although the security camera is hardwired into the building's power supply, its recording schedule remains configurable through software updates.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “hardwired” in context.
Verb
01. become hardwired
“After years of repetition, the routine becomes hardwired.”
verb + adj
02. hardwired for survival
“Our stress response is hardwired for survival in dangerous situations.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
03. biologically hardwired
“We are biologically hardwired to respond to a baby's cry.”
adv + adj
04. deeply hardwired
“Gender stereotypes remain deeply hardwired in many workplaces.”
adv + adj
05. genetically hardwired
“Humans are genetically hardwired to acquire language in early childhood.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. hardwired behaviour
“Hoarding food is hardwired behaviour in squirrels and other rodents.”
adj + noun
07. hardwired circuit
“The alarm uses a simple hardwired circuit rather than software.”
adj + noun
08. hardwired instinct
“Migration is a hardwired instinct in many bird species.”
adj + noun
09. become hardwired over time
“Bad posture can become hardwired over time without correction.”
10. deeply hardwired into the brain
“These language patterns are deeply hardwired into the brain by age five.”
11. hardwired fight-or-flight response
“A loud noise triggers our hardwired fight-or-flight response instantly.”
12. hardwired for human connection
“Infants are hardwired for human connection from birth.”
Usage
Often follows 'be' or precedes a noun; paired with 'to', 'for', or 'into' when describing innate tendencies.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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