inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯrn 

1

: present from or as if from birth

2

: hereditary, inherited

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• hardwired
• immanent
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• ingrained
• engrained
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

Choose the Right Synonym for inborn

innate, inborn, inbred, congenital, hereditary mean not acquired after birth.

innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.

her inborn love of nature

inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.

inbred political loyalties

congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.

a congenital heart murmur

eye color is hereditary

Examples of inborn in a Sentence

She has an inborn talent for music.

That kind of knowledge is acquired, not inborn.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the oldest kid may very well develop a sense of responsibility and leadership — qualities fostered through the environment rather than inborn traits. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 10 June 2024

Resurgence is a real sense in Detroit, a city where resilience is inborn and tougher tests have been endured. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024

Not all animals’ responses to anthropogenic change are inborn, however. —Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 14 May 2024

Such sweeping ambition is intrinsic, an expression of America’s inborn missionary zeal. —Jon Sebastian Shifrin, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: born in one : not acquired by training or experience : natural, instinctive

an inborn ability to grow flowers

2

: hereditary sense 1, inherited

an inborn defect in metabolism

Medical Definition

inborn

adjective

in·​born ˈin-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

: hereditary, inherited

inborn errors of metabolism