ingrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ingrained" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a habit, belief, feeling, or behavior that has become a natural part of someone or something. Example sentence: He had an ingrained habit of always making sure the door was locked.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The insults heaped on Hull are so ingrained they seem part of its architecture.

The Guardian

Internet activism is an efficient, targeted method of addressing ingrained cultural injustices.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this interview with Andy Maynard of Tibs, coach Daryl Willard tells his story and explains why he ended up working in Azerbaijan: "I left England because I was tired of the closed shop or jobs for the boys attitude which is ingrained in the coaching world.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet it is not an issue ignored by everyone in the film industry, and one woman who is attempting to combat Hollywood's ingrained sexism is the producer Elizabeth Karlsen.

The Guardian - Film

Closer working with the police and specialist services has helped to address the types of ingrained practices that can ignore, or even add to, the victimisation of women and girls.

The Guardian - Opinion

People who point out ingrained racism or misogyny or transphobia with a hashtag (#YesAllWomen, for instance) aren't slacking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because energy consumption is a deeply ingrained behaviour that ties into work, shopping and family life, it will take quite a lot of effort to change.

The Guardian

Why can't it acknowledge that people such as my parents are so ingrained into their local communities that they are as much a part of British life as any one of their neighbours?

The Guardian - Opinion

Gender inequality has a negative impact on men as well as women, though its structural and ingrained nature (politically, economically, socially and culturally) does mean that women tend to experience its effects more frequently and more severely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her profound testimony tells you everything you need to know about how inequality and unearned privilege remain ingrained in Scottish society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead – and with the exception of the nicely upfront bowling coach David Saker – there seems to be some kind of invisible protective membrane at managerial level, an ingrained slipperiness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or cultural norms, "ingrained" can effectively convey the idea that these norms are deeply embedded within the system.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "ingrained" as "engrained". While "ingrain" means to fix something deeply, "engrain" refers to dyeing or staining something. The correct spelling for the adjective describing deeply rooted qualities is "ingrained".

Linguistic Context

The word "ingrained" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something (like a habit, belief, or prejudice) that is deeply established and difficult to change. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests a quality that has become a fundamental part of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

14%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ingrained" is a versatile adjective used to describe deeply established habits, beliefs, or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It effectively conveys that something is deeply embedded and difficult to change. Common contexts include news, media, lifestyle articles, and sports writing. To enhance your writing, remember that "ingrained" emphasizes depth and persistence, making it a powerful tool for describing cultural norms, personal habits, or systemic issues. Don't confuse it with "engrained", which refers to dyeing. Alternatives include "deep-seated", "deep-rooted", and "entrenched".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep-seated

This term emphasizes the depth and persistence of the quality, often referring to feelings or beliefs.

deep-rooted

Similar to "deep-seated", this highlights the extensive and firmly established nature of something.

entrenched

This word suggests that something is strongly established and difficult to change.

firmly established

This phrase directly indicates that something is securely in place and not easily altered.

well-established

Similar to 'firmly established', this indicates something has been around for a while and is accepted.

inherent

This term suggests that something is an essential and natural part of a person or thing.

intrinsic

Close to 'inherent', this emphasizes that something belongs naturally to a thing.

implanted

Suggests something has been firmly placed or established within.

fixed

Indicates something is unchangeable and firm.

hardwired

Implies a biological or deeply programmed predisposition.

FAQs

How can I use "ingrained" in a sentence?

You can use "ingrained" to describe habits, beliefs, or attitudes that are deeply established. For example: "The habit of saving money was "ingrained" in her from a young age".

What are some alternatives to using "ingrained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deep-seated", "deep-rooted", or "entrenched".

Is it correct to say something is 'engrained' instead of 'ingrained'?

No, the correct term is ""ingrained"". "Engrained" refers to dyeing or staining, while "ingrained" describes something deeply established.

What's the difference between "ingrained" and "inherent"?

"Ingrained" suggests something is deeply established through experience or time, while "inherent" implies something is an essential or natural part of something.