ad hoc

1 of 2

adverb

ˈad-ˈhäk

-ˈhōk

ˈäd-ˈhōk

Synonyms of ad hoc next

: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application

The decisions were made ad hoc.

ad hoc

2 of 2

adjective

: concerned with a particular end or purpose

an ad hoc investigating committee

: formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs

ad hoc solutions

: fashioned from whatever is immediately available : improvised

large ad hoc parades and demonstrations—

Nat Hentoff

Did you know?

In Latin ad hoc literally means "for this," and in English it describes anything that can be thought of as existing "for this purpose only." For example, an ad hoc committee is generally authorized to look into a single matter of limited scope, not to pursue any issue of interest. Ad hoc can also be used as an adverb meaning "for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application," as in "decisions were made ad hoc."

Examples of ad hoc in a Sentence

Adjective The mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to study the project. We had to make some ad hoc changes to the plans. We'll hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.

Recent Examples on the Web

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Adverb

The Saratoga City Council on Nov. 20 unanimously approved the temporary revival of the ad hoc committee working to improve the city’s commercial scene despite disagreeing on a pilot outdoor dining program. —

Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2024 The Tennessean obtained an email sent by the ad hoc committee to the larger school community that defended that decision. —

Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The Sardines, an ad hoc band led by music director Kurt Cowling on keyboards and featuring singer Leah Gawel, play music originally performed and mostly composed by '90s lounge revivalists Combustible Edison. —

Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2023 Ukraine has also called for the creation of a special United Nations tribunal, akin to ad hoc bodies set up to address war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ad hoc