inexact

adjective

in·​ex·​act ˌi-nig-ˈzakt 

1

: not precisely correct or true : inaccurate

an inexact translation

2

: not rigorous and careful

an inexact thinker

inexactly

ˌi-nig-ˈzak(t)-lē 

adverb

inexactness

ˌi-nig-ˈzak(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• approximate
• inaccurate
• approximative
• imprecise

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

The Farmers' Almanac, distinct from the Old Farmer's Almanac, said weather forecasting, and long-range forecasting, in particular, remains an inexact science. —Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025

The draft remains an inexact science, but the Cubs have a formula that has endured through regime changes and philosophical shifts. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 9 July 2025

This is what makes the draft such an inexact science. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Pricing players can be an inexact science, but is an extremely worthy exercise that can save future headaches. —Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from in- + exact exact

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inexact

• artefact
• artifact
• counteract
• interact
• noncontact
• reenact
• subcontract
• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract

Kids Definition

inexact

adjective

in·​ex·​act ˌin-ig-ˈzakt 

: not exactly correct or true : inaccurate

inexact measurements

inexactly

-ˈzak-(t)lē 

adverb

inexactness

-ˈzak(t)-nəs 

noun