inelastic

/ˌɪn.ɪˈlæs.tɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪn.ɪˈlæs.t̬ɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌi-nə-ˈla-stik/ (ame, mw)

inelastic — adjective

  • inelasticpositive
  • more inelasticcomparative
  • most inelasticsuperlative

1. describes a system, rule, attitude, or response that does not adjust easily when

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a system, rule, attitude, or response that does not adjust easily when new needs or conditions appear.

例句

The old pay scale was so inelastic that raises stayed the same for years.

be + inelastic + that-clause showing lack of adjustment

When Hui asked to switch shifts, the supervisor gave an inelastic response.

同義詞
  • inflexible

    close in meaning, often used for rules or attitudes that resist change

  • rigid

    stronger and often more critical, especially for strict systems or views

  • unyielding

    more formal; suggests refusing to give way under pressure

反義詞
  • flexible

    able or willing to change when conditions change

  • adaptable

    able to adjust easily to new situations

  • responsive

    quick to react to people's needs or changing facts

文法句型

be + inelastic

inelastic + noun (policy/response/system)

remain + inelastic

用法筆記

Often used for systems, prices, schedules, and attitudes rather than physical objects. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about material that will not stretch.

常見錯誤

❌We have a rigid weekend plan, so it is inelastic.
✅We have a fixed weekend plan.
💡'Inelastic' suggests an unreasonable lack of adjustment, not simply that a plan is already decided.
❌My maths teacher is inelastic.
✅My maths teacher is strict.
💡'Inelastic' usually describes rules or responses, not a person's general personality.

2. describes a material that stretches very little and does not spring back well af

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a material that stretches very little and does not spring back well after being pulled.

例句

Joaquín replaced the pants waistband after it became dry and inelastic.

become + inelastic for material losing stretch

The tailor used an inelastic ribbon to keep the parcel shut.

同義詞
  • non-stretch

    common before nouns in clothing or fabric descriptions

  • rigid

    stronger; suggests hardness as well as resistance to bending

  • stiff

    broader and less exact; can describe feel rather than stretch

反義詞
  • elastic

    able to stretch and return to its earlier shape

  • stretchy

    informal; easy to stretch

  • springy

    returns quickly after being pressed or pulled

文法句型

be + inelastic

become + inelastic

inelastic + noun (fabric/bandage/material)

用法筆記

Common before nouns such as bandage, fabric, cord, or material. Unlike sense 1, this sense is only about a physical object's ability to stretch and recover its shape.

常見錯誤

❌The stone wall is inelastic.
✅The stone wall is hard.
💡'Inelastic' is used when stretch or recovery is relevant, not simply to say that something is solid.
❌The socks are stiff, so they are inelastic.
✅The socks have lost their stretch, so they are inelastic.
💡'Stiff' describes feel, while 'inelastic' specifically focuses on not stretching.