inelastic

adjective

in·​elas·​tic ˌi-nə-ˈla-stik 

: not elastic: such as

a

: inflexible, unyielding

b

: slow to react or respond to changing conditions

inelasticity

ˌi-ni-ˌla-ˈsti-s(ə-)tē 

(ˌ)i-ˌnē-ˌla-

noun

Examples of inelastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The problem is one of a larger supply facing an inelastic demand — the situation in which a market’s willingness to buy different quantities does not vary much with regard to price. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025

How to Play It Ocean shippers have a habit of going bankrupt, a consequence of high debt ratios, inelastic supply and volatile demand. —Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Demand for dialysis is relatively inelastic, meaning it is not significantly affected by economic downturns. —Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Platinum supply has historically been price inelastic in the short term, according to the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC). —Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing inelastic

• inelastic collision
• inelastic scattering

Rhymes for inelastic

• anaplastic
• bioclastic
• fibroblastic
• hyperplastic
• hypoplastic
• lymphoblastic
• neoplastic
• orgiastic
• periphrastic
• predynastic
• pyroclastic
• superplastic

Kids Definition

inelastic

adjective

in·​elas·​tic ˌin-ə-ˈlas-tik 

: not elastic : slow to respond to changing conditions

inelasticity

ˌin-i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

inelastic

adjective

in·​elas·​tic ˌin-i-ˈlas-tik 

: not elastic

inelasticity

-i-ˌlas-ˈtis-ət-ē, -ˌē-ˌlas-, -ˈtis-tē 

noun

plural inelasticities