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
• approximative
• ballpark
• imprecise
• inaccurate
• loose
• squishy

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

That’s a measure, albeit inexact, of how much extra yield investors are demanding for holding long term what is largely considered the safest debt instrument in the world. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024

Isotopic analysis of the elements that make up the ice can give an inexact but useful indication of the temperature at which the ice was formed. —Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

The math, though, is a little more difficult and inexact. —Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024

As an American holiday, Cinco de Mayo can often feel inexact. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from in- + exact exact

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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