ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n(ə)l ˌkɑnstɪˈt(j)uʃ(ə)n(ə)l ɪnˈhɪəɹənt ˈɪntɪɡɹəl ˈɪntəɡɹəl ɪnˈtɛɡɹəl in the nature of something though not readily apparent shortcomings inherent in our approach an underlying meaning existing as an essential constituent or characteristic the Ptolemaic system with its built-in concept of periodicity a constitutional inability to tell the truth