inelastic

/ˌɪnɪˈlæstɪk/
adjective
  1. Not able to stretch or return to original shape after being stretched or pressed.
    • The plastic became inelastic after being left in the cold for too long.
    • The old rubber band was so inelastic that it snapped when pulled.
    • Inelastic fabrics like denim do not stretch easily.
  2. Not changing easily in response to changes in price, demand, or other factors (used in economics).
    • Gasoline is often inelastic because people need to buy it even when prices rise.
    • The demand for life-saving medicine is highly inelastic.
    • An inelastic supply means producers cannot quickly increase production when prices go up.
  3. Rigid or inflexible; not adaptable to new situations.
    • His inelastic thinking made it hard for him to accept new ideas.
    • The company's inelastic policies frustrated employees who wanted more flexibility.
    • An inelastic schedule left no room for unexpected delays.
What does "inelastic" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean