5 PREP You use in to indicate how someone is expressing something. □ Information is given to the patient verbally and in writing. □ …lessons in languages other than Spanish.
6 PREP You use in in expressions such as in a row or in a ball to describe the arrangement or shape of something. □ The cards need to be laid out in two rows. □ Her ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.
7 PREP If something is in a particular colour, it has that colour. □ …white flowers edged in pink.
8 PREP You use in to specify which feature or aspect of something you are talking about. □ The movie is nearly two hours in length. □ There is a big difference in the amounts that banks charge. □ …a real increase in the standard of living.
➎ in ◆◆◆ (ins ) Pronounced / I n/ for meanings 1 and 3 to 8 , and / I n/ for meaning 2 . 1 ADJ If you say that something is in , or is the in thing, you mean it is fashionable or popular. [INFORMAL ] □ A few years ago jogging was the in thing.
2 PREP [PREP v-ing] You use in with a present participle to indicate that when you do something, something else happens as a result. □ In working with others, you find out more about yourself.
3 PHRASE If you say that someone is in for a shock or a surprise, you mean that they are going to experience it. □ You might be in for a shock at the sheer hard work involved.
4 PHRASE If someone has it in for you, they dislike you and try to cause problems for you. [INFORMAL ] □ The other kids had it in for me.
5 PHRASE If you are in on something, you are involved in it or know about it. □ I don't know. I wasn't in on that particular argument.
6 PHRASE If you are in with a person or group, they like you and accept you, and are likely to help you. [INFORMAL ]
7 PHRASE You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made. □ I'm lucky in that I've got four sisters.
8 PHRASE The ins and outs of a situation are all the detailed points and facts about it. □ [+ of ] …the ins and outs of high finance.
in. in. is a written abbreviation for inch . The plural can be 'in.' or 'ins'. □ …30.4 x 25.4 cm (12 x 10 in). □ It is 24 ins wide and 16 ins high.
PREFIX in-
can be added to some words to form words that have the opposite meaning. For example, someone who is independent is not dependent on anyone.
in|abil|ity / I nəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N to-inf, usu with poss] If you refer to someone's inability to do something, you are referring to the fact that they are unable to do it. □ Her inability to concentrate could cause an accident.
in|ac|ces|sible / I nəkse s I b ə l/
1 ADJ An inaccessible place is very difficult or impossible to reach. □ …the remote, inaccessible areas of the Andes rainforests. ● in|ac|ces|sibil|ity / I nəkses I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Its inaccessibility makes food distribution difficult.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is inaccessible , you are unable to see, use, or buy it. □ [+ to ] Ninety-five per cent of its magnificent collection will remain inaccessible to the public. ● in|ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the problem of inaccessibility of essential goods.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is inaccessible is difficult or impossible to understand or appreciate. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] …using language that is inaccessible to working people. ● in|ac|ces|sibil|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the inaccessibility of his literature.
in|ac|cu|ra|cy / I næ kjʊrəsi/ (inaccuracies ) N‑VAR The inaccuracy of a statement or measurement is the fact that it is not accurate or correct. □ [+ of ] He was disturbed by the inaccuracy of the answers.
in|ac|cu|rate / I næ kjʊrət/ ADJ If a statement or measurement is inaccurate , it is not accurate or correct. □ The book is both inaccurate and exaggerated. ● in|ac|cu|rate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He claimed his remarks had been reported inaccurately.
in|ac|tion / I næ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you refer to someone's inaction , you disapprove of the fact that they are doing nothing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] He is bitter about the inaction of the other political parties.
in|ac|tive / I næ kt I v/ ADJ Someone or something that is inactive is not doing anything or is not working. □ He certainly was not politically inactive. ● in|ac|tiv|ity / I nækt I v I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The players have comparatively long periods of inactivity.
in|ad|equa|cy / I næ d I kwəsi/ (inadequacies )
1 N‑VAR The inadequacy of something is the fact that there is not enough of it, or that it is not good enough. □ [+ of ] …the inadequacy of the water supply.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has feelings of inadequacy , they feel that they do not have the qualities and abilities necessary to do something or to cope with life in general. □ …his deep-seated sense of inadequacy.
in|ad|equate / I næ d I kwət/
1 ADJ If something is inadequate , there is not enough of it or it is not good enough. □ Supplies of food and medicines are inadequate. ● in|ad|equate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The projects were inadequately funded.