inexact

adjective

in·​ex·​act ˌi-nig-ˈzakt How to pronounce inexact (audio)
1
: not precisely correct or true : inaccurate
an inexact translation
2
: not rigorous and careful
an inexact thinker
inexactly adverb
inexactness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That medicine is an inexact science. Polly Atkin august 26, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025 The parsing of high-level business speak is an inexact art. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025 That volume of capital increases their margin for error in the inexact science that is the NBA draft. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for inexact

Word History

Etymology

French, from in- + exact exact

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inexact was circa 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Inexact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexact. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

inexact

adjective
in·​ex·​act ˌin-ig-ˈzakt How to pronounce inexact (audio)
: not exactly correct or true : inaccurate
inexact measurements
inexactly adverb
inexactness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inexact

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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