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Definition of ingrained

ingrained

/ɪnˈɡreɪnd/
in · grained
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ingrained Lexical Profile

ingrained Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Firmly fixed or established over a long period of time; difficult to change or eradicate (especially of a habit, belief, or attitude).

Example

"It can take years of conscious effort to overcome deeply ingrained habits."

2

Deeply embedded within the pores, fibers, or surface of something (especially of dirt or a stain).

Example

"The mechanic scrubbed his hands to remove the ingrained grease from beneath his fingernails."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ingrained

• Nearby Words

ingoing
ingot
ingrain
ingrained
ingrate
ingratiate
ingratiatingly

Word Origin & Etymology

From the medieval phrase 'in grain', referring to cloth dyed with kermes (crimson scale insects that resembled tiny seeds or grains), a fast dye that penetrated the fibers permanently and could not be washed out; later reinterpreted as being worked into the texture or grain of wood or skin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ingrained. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ingrained
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