adjective

congenital

kun-JEN-ih-tul/kənˈdʒenɪtl/

Present from birth or rooted in the earliest stages of development.

The newborn has a congenital cleft in the upper lip.

A newborn baby with a clearly visible cleft upper lip rests on a plain hospital blanket, with a fresh umbilical-cord clamp establishing the immediate newborn context.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with

+genitLatinto beget

+alEnglishrelating to

The pieces express being “born together”: a congenital condition accompanies a person into life. This connects the birth image to something present from birth rather than acquired afterward.

In context

Dr. Tirta Wijaya (Medical Doctor)1:38

during pregnancy, this virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to a devastating condition called congenital rubella syndrome

Doctor explains Rubella: symptoms, pregnancy risks, and why MMR vaccine matters #healthinfo #Rubella

More examples

Her congenital hearing loss is diagnosed soon after birth.
A congenital condition is not always inherited from a parent.
His congenital optimism helps him stay cheerful during setbacks.

Forms

congenital

congenitally adverb — From birth or an early developmental stage.

Similar words

inborn: Emphasizes being present at birth, often describing personal traits.
innate: Often describes natural abilities or qualities rather than medical conditions.
hereditary: Specifically passed from parents, rather than merely present at birth.