inexact

[ in-ig-zakt ]

adjective

1. not exact; not strictly precise or accurate.

inexact

/ ˌɪnɪɡˈzækt /

adjective

1. not exact or accurate

Derived Forms

• ˌinexˈactiˌtude, noun
• ˌinexˈactly, adverb

Other Words From

• inex·actly adverb
• inex·actness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inexact¹

First recorded in 1820–30; in- ³ + exact

Example Sentences

In other words, the Chargers probably couldn’t go wrong with any of them, which isn’t often the case in an exercise as fickle and inexact as the NFL draft.

From Los Angeles Times

Once in a while, I feel so sad that I’ll never understand a piece of translated writing the way it’s really meant to be understood, because even the most exquisite translations are, by definition, inexact.

From Seattle Times

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.

From New York Times

While the figure may be inexact, as outliers can skew the average, the housing price increase in White Salmon mirrors exploding prices throughout the touristy Gorge region.

From Seattle Times

Justice Thomas acknowledged that the new standard was inexact.

From New York Times

Related Words

• imprecise