# ingrained

/ˌɪnˈɡɹeɪnd/ (US) · /ɪnɡɹˈeɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ingrained
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

describes a habit, belief, or attitude that is so deep and old that it is very hard to change. It is like a root that has grown deep into the ground.

For teachers: firmly established and difficult to change; deeply embedded within a person's character or a society's culture. Often used to describe psychological or sociological traits.

## Examples

- The habit of waking up early is ingrained in him.
- After decades of working in the same industry, certain professional routines become so ingrained that they are performed almost automatically.
- The researchers argued that these prejudices were deeply ingrained in the local culture, making them resistant to even the most well-funded educational interventions.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'become', or 'remain', or appears as a participial adjective before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.