define inveterate
inveterate. adj. 1. long established, esp so as to be deep-rooted or ingrained: an inveterate feeling of hostility. 2. (prenominal) settled or confirmed in a habit or practice, esp a bad one; hardened: an inveterate smoker.nâ¢vetâ¢erâ¢ate. 1. confirmed in a habit, feeling, or the like: an inveterate gambler. 2. firmly established by long continuance, as a disease; chronic.