inexact

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inexact' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means not precisely or completely accurate or detailed. Example: The scientist's measurements were inexact, leading to a margin of error in their experiment results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In private he was quite frank and rueful about what he called the 'Plath fantasia', which is to say the great myth that had grown up about their relationship, which was inexact".

The Guardian

Although Fernando Perfecto, the director of the pilots' union, has said that the company's salary figures are "inexact", his organisation has not provided its own numbers.

The Economist

Reckoning debt sustainability is an inexact science.

The Economist

Asset markets first for shares, then for housing were doing households' saving for them.Calculating the savings ratio is an inexact business, because it is the residual between measures of income and consumption and so tends to be revised a good deal.

The Economist

Others revile it as the new apartheid regime.This last accusation is inexact.

The Economist

By some (inexact) counts, there are more than 10,000 of them operating there more per head than anywhere else in the Americas.

The Economist

Buyers might think twice before buying a device that operates with errors as a matter of course, concedes Hang Chang Chieh, a professor at the National University of Singapore.Researchers have coined a variety of euphemisms to describe the technology, such as "inexact hardware", "probabilistic computing", "relaxed correctness" and "relaxed reliability".

The Economist

Translating national polls current snapshots of opinion into predictions of actual parliamentary seats is an inexact art.

The Economist

With something over 27% of the vote and the prospect of 13 Iowa delegates, Mr Carter came far ahead of the next contender, Senator Bill Bayh, with 13% and six.Because of rules that come into play in the later meetings, the projections of delegate strength are highly inexact.

The Economist

CLIMATOLOGY is an inexact science at the best of times.

The Economist

As Lord Stern says, they "come close to assuming that the impacts and costs [of global warming] will be modest, and close to excluding the possibility of catastrophic outcomes".Not useless, just plain wrongThe question is whether it is nevertheless useful to have some guide to the future cost of climate change, however inexact.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inexact", consider the degree of imprecision. Is it a slight deviation or a significant error? Choose a more specific word if the degree matters.

Common error

Avoid using "inexact" when a more precise term like "wrong" or "false" is appropriate. "Inexact" suggests a lack of complete accuracy, not necessarily a complete falsehood.

Linguistic Context

The word "inexact" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of complete precision or accuracy. Ludwig AI shows this in various contexts, describing things like "inexact science" or "inexact figures".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inexact" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is not completely accurate or precise. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While often interchangeable with words such as "imprecise" or "approximate", it's crucial to consider the specific degree of imprecision you wish to convey. By understanding the nuances and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "inexact" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imprecise

Focuses on the lack of precise detail or definition.

inaccurate

Highlights the presence of errors or deviations from the truth.

approximate

Suggests a close but not exact resemblance.

erroneous

Stresses the presence of mistakes or falsehoods.

rough

Implies a lack of refinement or careful measurement.

estimated

Indicates a value determined through approximation rather than precise calculation.

loose

Suggests a lack of strictness or precision.

indefinite

Points to a lack of clear boundaries or limits.

unfaithful

Emphasizes a deviation from a standard or expectation.

unreliable

Highlights the lack of dependable accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "inexact" in a sentence?

You can use "inexact" to describe something that is not precisely accurate or defined. For example, "The measurement was inexact, but close enough for our purposes."

What is a synonym for "inexact"?

Synonyms for "inexact" include "imprecise", "approximate", and "inaccurate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "inexact" the same as "incorrect"?

"Inexact" suggests a lack of complete accuracy, while "incorrect" implies that something is wrong or false. Something can be "inexact" without being entirely "incorrect", but it is a matter of the degree of precision.

What is the difference between "inexact" and "vague"?

"Inexact" refers to a lack of precision in measurement or detail. "Vague" refers to a lack of clarity or definition. A description can be "inexact" if the numbers are only approximate, and "vague" if it's hard to tell what you are talking about.