adj

hardwired

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Hardwired (adj) means Built into a device's physical circuitry, so its function can't be changed by software. Example: “The safety cutoff is hardwired into the machine.”

adj

Built into a device's physical circuitry, so its function can't be changed by software.

"The safety cutoff is hardwired into the machine."

Instinctive or fixed by nature rather than learned; deeply ingrained.

"Fear of falling seems to be hardwired into most animals."

"She's hardwired to double-check everything before submitting it."

How to use hardwired

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFixed and unchangeable — either physically wired into a device, or built into someone's instincts or habits.

Common pairings

hardwired into the brain hardwired response hardwired circuit

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more hardwired
Superlative: most hardwired

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The safety cutoff is _____ into the machine.

Etymology

From hard + wired, originally an electronics term for circuits fixed by physical wiring rather than programmable logic.

Rhymes for hardwired

tired wired fired mired aired haired paired retired desired expired acquired required

See all rhymes for hardwired →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hardwired” mean?

The word “hardwired” means built into a device's physical circuitry, so its function can't be changed by software. In plain terms, fixed and unchangeable — either physically wired into a device, or built into someone's instincts or habits.

How do you use “hardwired” in a sentence?

Here is “hardwired” used in a sentence: “The safety cutoff is hardwired into the machine.”

What part of speech is “hardwired”?

“Hardwired” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “hardwired” have?

“Hardwired” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: built into a device's physical circuitry, so its function can't be changed by software.