Entrenched

Entrenched describes something, like an idea, belief, habit, or practice, that is firmly established and difficult or impossible to change or remove. It implies a deep-rootedness, often over a considerable period, making it resistant to challenges or attempts at alteration. This firm establishment can stem from tradition, long-standing custom, or societal structures. entrenched elements often benefit from widespread acceptance, making them deeply embedded within a system. The concept conveys resistance to modification or displacement, highlighting a sense of permanence and stability, whether positive or negative, depending on the context. Change becomes a substantial undertaking when dealing with entrenched situations.

Entrenched meaning with examples

• The company's hierarchical structure was deeply entrenched, making it difficult to implement agile working methods. Despite management's desire for change, employees resisted the shift, accustomed to their well-defined roles and reporting lines. The ingrained processes and procedures, a product of decades, proved to be resistant to adaptation, hindering overall progress and innovation within the organization's culture.
• Prejudice was deeply entrenched in the community's social fabric. This historical legacy caused divisions, creating barriers for minority groups in accessing opportunities. Efforts to address this involved confronting long-held biases, yet these deeply rooted feelings of discrimination resulted in resistance and limited progress in breaking down stereotypes and inequality.
• The practice of using fossil fuels had become entrenched in the global economy, creating significant obstacles to the transition toward renewable energy. Powerful interest groups with vested interests worked hard to protect its dominance, blocking policy changes and investment into greener technologies, which would have caused less pollution.
• After decades, the belief that women should be the primary caregivers remained entrenched in many families. This often limited women's professional advancement, contributing to gender inequality. Breaking down these stereotypes required a multi-faceted approach of education, policy changes, and awareness campaigns to foster more equitable attitudes.