just-in-time

noun

often attributive
: a manufacturing strategy wherein parts are produced or delivered only as needed

Examples of just-in-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Quality remains paramount, epitomized by the just-in-time philosophy and emphasizing doing things right the first time. Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 But in the past two decades, Ducati has begun to increasingly rely on just-in-time production methods and robotic assistance for the human workers who still handle most of the build process. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 11 Dec. 2023 These included Southwest’s quick turnaround, just-in-time, low-overhead operational culture and the inadequacy of its technological systems to manage if the schedule blew out at any seam. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023 Conversely, is there a sufficient premium charged for such just-in-time service? Harry G. Broadman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 This has to do with energy independence, but also very practical things—like, that the automotive industry needs just-in-time setups. WIRED, 8 Nov. 2023 Led by Patty, our team had reexamined the problem of insufficient vaccinations and found the root cause: The just-in-time approach to humanitarian donations and assistance wasn’t working. Rajiv J. Shah, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2023 This complex story — of just-in-time transformation and its national fallout — likely merits a book of its own. Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023 With the rise of just-in-time logistics, an approach that minimizes inventory in favor of ordering new supplies only as old ones are used and sold, this is no longer the case. John Gustavsson, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of just-in-time was in 1977

Dictionary Entries Near just-in-time

Cite this Entry

“Just-in-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just-in-time. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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