ingrained
What does "ingrained" mean?
"Ingrained" describes something that is deeply fixed, established, or embedded within a person's character, a habit, or a societal structure. Imagine a dye that has penetrated so deeply into a piece of fabric that it can never be washed out, or dirt trapped so deep in the grooves of a surface that no amount of scrubbing can remove it. It is typically used to talk about habits, beliefs, or prejudices that are very difficult to change because they have existed for such a long time. While it can be used for positive things like "ingrained work ethics," it is more frequently used to describe deep-seated negative traits or systemic issues that are resistant to reform.
"ingrained" in conversation
Discussing a bad habit
I’ve been trying to stop biting my nails for months.
I’ve been trying to stop biting my nails for months.
It’s a tough one, it’s such an ingrained habit at this point.
It’s a tough one, it’s such an ingrained habit at this point.
Used to describe a habit that feels automatic and hard to break.
Talking about workplace culture
The team is resistant to the new software.
The team is resistant to the new software.
Old processes are deeply ingrained in their workflow; it will take time.
Old processes are deeply ingrained in their workflow; it will take time.
Used here to describe established professional routines.
"ingrained" in a sentence
Fear of the dark is ingrained in many young children.
Fear of the dark is ingrained in many young children.
It is difficult to change such deeply ingrained cultural traditions.
It is difficult to change such deeply ingrained cultural traditions.
His ingrained cynicism made it nearly impossible for him to trust the new management team.
His ingrained cynicism made it nearly impossible for him to trust the new management team.
