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just in time
/ˈdʒʌst ɪn taɪm/
arriving or completing something at the last possible moment
The delivery arrived just in time for the meeting.
The delivery arrived at the last possible moment before the meeting started.
general
Arriving or occurring at the last possible moment before something is needed or required.
She finished her homework just in time to catch the bus.
She completed her homework at the last possible moment before the bus arrived.
Often used to describe situations where timing is critical.
Business
technical
A manufacturing or inventory management strategy where materials are received only as they are needed in the production process, minimizing storage costs and waste.
The company implemented a just-in-time inventory system to reduce overhead costs.
The company adopted a just-in-time inventory system to receive materials only when they are needed for production, reducing storage expenses.
Commonly abbreviated as JIT in business and engineering contexts.
Collocations
just in time forat the last possible moment beforejust in time deliverya supply chain method where goods are delivered precisely when needed
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Business Context
In business, 'just in time' refers to a strategy to reduce costs by minimizing inventory.
Gold Rule
Timing Emphasis
The phrase emphasizes the critical nature of timing, whether in everyday situations or business operations.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the English language and has been used since at least the early 20th century. The business/manufacturing sense was popularized in the 1970s.
Usage Notes
In general usage, it describes timing. In business, it refers to a specific inventory management strategy.
Word Breakdown
just
exactly
adverbin time
at the necessary moment
prepositional phraseEnglish Dictionary