Ingraineddeeply established and difficult to change describes something that is deeply fixednot easily changed or moved from a settled state and hard to change, especially a habit, belief, or attitudea settled way of thinking or feeling about something. It often suggests something has become part of a person’s normal way of thinking or acting over time.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/
Easy pronunciation: in-GRAYND (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable.
Used as an adjective meaning deeply rooted or firmly fixed, especially for ideas, beliefs, or habits.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Ingrained Meaning
so deeply fixed that it is hard to change
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: (especially of ideas, beliefs, or habits) deeply rooted and firmly fixed
Example: She had ingrained habits that were hard to break.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- deep-rooted — A strong match for long-held beliefs, habits, or traits.
- deep-seated — Works well for feelings, attitudes, and beliefs that are deeply fixed.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Ingrained Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- deep-rooted
- deep-seated
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using ingrained to mean physically inserted or planted somewhere.
- Treating it as a general synonym for all kinds of 'fixed' things, including objects or literal placement.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ingrained mean in simple English?
It means something is so deeply fixed that it is difficult to change, especially a habit, belief, or attitude.
What are the best synonyms for ingrained?
The best general synonyms are deep-rooted and deep-seated.
Is ingrained always negative?
No. It can be neutral or negative, depending on what is deeply fixed.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.