inexact

adjective

in·​ex·​act ˌi-nig-ˈzakt How to pronounce inexact (audio)
1
: not precisely correct or true : inaccurate
an inexact translation
2
: not rigorous and careful
an inexact thinker
inexactly adverb
inexactness noun

Examples of inexact in a Sentence

The measurements were somewhat inexact, but they were close enough. a thousand is an inexact figure for the number of islands in the St. Lawrence River
Recent Examples on the Web Keep in mind, there's an element of hope here because forecasting is an inexact science (who saw a pandemic coming that canceled every trade show?). Alison Murdock, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 These figures are inexact because income also depends on how much one flies. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2024 Recruiting is an inexact science, especially at a time when rosters are constructed with a combination of traditional prospects recruited out of high school and established FBS players added through the transfer portal. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2024 But to assess the full arc of global warming, scientists typically combine this data with 19th-century thermometer readings that were often spotty and inexact. Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024 Like war itself, tracking the evolution of weapons is a messy and inexact business. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2023 The math, though, is a little more difficult and inexact. Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 3 July 2023 In the circuit court, Dane County Judge Frank Remington concluded the question presented to voters was inexact and misleading. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 16 May 2023 As any sports fan knows, visual assessment is an inexact science that referees don't always get right. Stephanie Mlot, PCMAG, 17 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inexact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from in- + exact exact

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inexact was circa 1828

Dictionary Entries Near inexact

Cite this Entry

“Inexact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexact. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inexact

adjective
in·​ex·​act ˌin-ig-ˈzakt How to pronounce inexact (audio)
: not exactly correct or true : inaccurate
inexact measurements
inexactly adverb
inexactness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inexact

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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