inherent

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Forming a natural and permanent part of something, so that it cannot be separated from it.

   Grammar: Usually followed by in: the risk inherent in the job; or before a noun: inherent value.

   Patterns

   • inherent in something
   • inherent to something

   Some danger is inherent in mountain climbing.

   The software has an inherent flaw in its design.

   Every person has inherent dignity.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Present from birth or from the start, as a built-in quality.

   Grammar: Used before nouns like ability or tendency.

   Patterns

   • an inherent ability
   • an inherent tendency

   She had an inherent talent for languages.

   Cats have an inherent urge to hunt.

   He showed an inherent sense of fairness.

Common combinations

inherent risk

Investing carries an inherent risk.

inherent in

A little uncertainty is inherent in science.

inherent value

Old books have inherent value.

inherent weakness

The plan has an inherent weakness.

inherent limitation

The device has an inherent limitation.

Synonyms and how they differ

intrinsic

Intrinsic stresses belonging to the essential nature of something, and is slightly more technical.

innate

Innate is used for qualities people or animals are born with, not for things.

built-in

Built-in is informal and may refer to something designed in on purpose.

essential

Essential means necessary, whereas inherent only says it is part of something.

Opposites

Word family

inherently adverb

by its very nature

inherit verb

to receive from someone before you, or from parents

inherence noun

the state of being a natural part of something

Commonly confused: inherent or inherit?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “inherent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words