just-in-time

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, companies can face considerable supply chain, manufacturing, and distribution challenges in the effort to ensure just-in-time doses are available when and where they are needed. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 3 May 2023 What the data shows Helping more students graduate from nursing school by giving them just-in-time math help has a larger societal benefit. Ellen Dennis, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Apr. 2023 The philosophy of flexibility and just-in-time labor management continues to move from industry to industry. Lauren Hilgers, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023 The Pentagon is now working to jettison an approach built around a Walmart-style just-in-time philosophy of keeping inventory low and instead focusing more on production capacity, Mr. LaPlante said in an interview. Eric Lipton, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023 In addition, the global flow of goods was operating smoothly with most things on a just-in-time delivery schedule due to efficient economic globalization. Sal Gilbertie, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 Hourly workers instead face the challenge of not having enough hours, or following an unstable just-in-time schedule. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 10 Mar. 2023 The truth is that just-in-time production relies on specialization in manufacturing. Benny Buller, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 For database administrators, a just-in-time protocol also significantly improves workflow. Ben Herzberg, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023 See More

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 9 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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