Word
inherent
Phoneticsin·her·ent, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪnˈhɛɹənt/
UK/ɪnhˈiəɹənt/
Definition
adj. existing as a natural and permanent part of something. You use this to describe a quality that cannot be separated from the person or thing you are talking about.
adj. existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. Often used to describe risks, rights, or qualities that are inseparable from the nature of the subject.
Examples
“There is an inherent risk in every new business venture.”
“The lawyer argued that the right to free speech is inherent to a democratic society.”
“While the technology offers significant benefits, critics point to the inherent biases in the data sets used to train the underlying algorithms.”
Examples
simple
“There is an inherent risk in every new business venture.”
contextual
“The lawyer argued that the right to free speech is inherent to a democratic society.”
complex
“While the technology offers significant benefits, critics point to the inherent biases in the data sets used to train the underlying algorithms.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inherent” in context.
Adjective
01. inherent in
“There are many risks inherent in the strategy, but the potential rewards are significant.”
adj + prep
Usage
Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb; often followed by the preposition 'to' or 'in'.
Real-World Examples
“Representatives of the Irish Prison Service (IPS) at the inquest acknowledged the inherent limitations of hatch checks.” “There is an inherent tension in political social media.” Etymology
From Latin inhaerentem, accusative singular of inhaerēns, present active participle of inhaereō (“I am closely connected with; adhere to”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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