1. the quality or state of being ingrown; the condition of growing inward or into the flesh
Usage: commonly used in medical contexts, especially regarding ingrown toenails or hairs
2. the quality of being isolated, self-contained, or focused inward rather than outward
Usage: figurative use; less common than the medical sense

Examples

• The ingrownness of the toenail caused significant pain and required medical treatment.
• The doctor explained that ingrownness occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin.
• The community's ingrownness made it difficult for outsiders to integrate.
• Years of isolation contributed to the organization's ingrownness and resistance to change.
• Proper nail care can help prevent ingrownness in the future.