inelastic

American  

[in-i-las-tik] / ˌɪn ɪˈlæs tɪk /

adjective

1. not elastic; lacking flexibility or resilience; unyielding.

   Synonyms:

   uncompromising, rigid, inflexible

2. Economics. relatively unresponsive to changes, as demand when it fails to increase in proportion to a decrease in price.

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inelastic British  

/ ˌɪnɪlæsˈtɪsɪtɪ, ˌɪnɪˈlæstɪk /

adjective

1. not elastic; not resilient

2. physics (of collisions) involving an overall decrease in translational kinetic energy

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Other Word Forms

• inelastically adverb
• inelasticity noun

Etymology

Origin of inelastic

First recorded in 1740–50; in- ³ + elastic

Example Sentences

Economists consider gasoline to be inelastic, meaning that consumption remains mostly steady regardless of prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

“Silver supply is structurally inelastic, with around 70-80% of global silver output coming as a by-product from mines that primarily produce lead, zinc, copper or gold,” Manthey said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

I’m also positive on Vital Farms, the market leader in pasture-raised eggs—an inelastic product at grocery stores.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

In fact, our working paper suggests that prison demand is not only inelastic but drives incarceration, not the other way around.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2024

They are inelastic, and it is too soon to judge of the work they are likely to do hereafter.

From British Manufacturing Industries Pottery, Glass and Silicates, Furniture and Woodwork. by Arnoux, L.