Words / C1

in-HER-uh-nt/ɪnˈherənt/

Inherent means a quality belongs to something by its nature; you cannot strip it away without changing what the thing is. Native writers use inherent risk, inherent limitation, inherent in. Intrinsic is very close; inherent often stresses “comes with the activity,” while intrinsic stresses “belongs to its inner nature.” Built-in is the informal version.

Meaning

Existing as a natural part of something.

Examples

• “There is an inherent risk in driving fast.”
• “Uncertainty is inherent in weather forecasting.”
• “The method has an inherent bias towards large samples.”

Good to know

inherent in + noun. Close: intrinsic. Informal: built-in.

Near in meaning

intrinsic

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