just-in-time

noun

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

Examples of just-in-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Put In Reasonable Buffers The pendulum famously shifted during the pandemic from just-in-time to just-in-case. Hannah Kain, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 The automotive industry relies heavily on just-in-time manufacturing, which minimizes inventory to reduce costs but leaves little room for flexibility when supply chains are disrupted. Brooke Seipel, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024 The National Retail Federation has said items on the vessels en route for October 1 arrival and after are restocking items for the holidays as well as just-in-time products like auto parts and pharmaceuticals. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024 Construction companies often use just-in-time delivery methods, ensuring that materials arrive exactly when needed to avoid excess inventory or storage costs. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for just-in-time 

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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