adjective
Common
acquired
uh-KWEYE-uhd
Acquired (adjective) means Developed during a person's life rather than present from birth. Example: “It was an acquired trait, not something she was born with.”
adjective
1
Developed during a person's life rather than present from birth.
"It was an acquired trait, not something she was born with."
"Being allergic to cats can be an acquired condition that appears in adulthood."
"Many people develop an acquired taste for coffee or olives as they grow older."
How to use acquired
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGained later in life, not inborn — often contrasted with "congenital" or "inherited."
Common pairings
acquired taste
acquired characteristic
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It was an _____ trait, not something she was born with.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for acquired
See all rhymes for acquired →Frequently asked questions
What does “acquired” mean?
The word “acquired” means developed during a person's life rather than present from birth. In plain terms, gained later in life, not inborn — often contrasted with "congenital" or "inherited.".
How do you pronounce “acquired”?
“Acquired” is pronounced uh-KWEYE-uhd (/əˈkwaɪɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “acquired” in a sentence?
Here is “acquired” used in a sentence: “It was an acquired trait, not something she was born with.”
What part of speech is “acquired”?
“Acquired” is an adjective.
Is “acquired” a common word?
“Acquired” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between acquired and inherited?
An acquired trait or condition develops during a person's life, through experience, environment, or events — for example, an acquired skill or an acquired illness. An inherited one is passed down through genes and is present from birth. In short, 'acquired' means gained later, while 'inherited' means born with.
What is an example of something acquired?
Examples include an acquired taste, such as learning to enjoy strong coffee; an acquired skill, like playing the piano; or an acquired condition that appears after birth rather than being genetic. All share the idea that the trait was developed or gained during life, not present from the start.
What is the opposite of acquired?
The main opposites are 'innate', 'inherited', and 'congenital', all of which mean present from birth rather than developed later. In everyday use you might also say 'natural' or 'inborn'. Where 'acquired' points to something gained through life, its opposites point to something you were simply born with.
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