ad infinitum

adverb or adjective

ad in·​fi·​ni·​tum ˌad-ˌin-fə-ˈnī-təm How to pronounce ad infinitum (audio)
 also  ˌäd-
: without end or limit

Examples of ad infinitum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But cyanobacteria have an evolutionary incentive to pass on relevant information to their progeny: Each cell divides into two identical clones, and each of those does as well, ad infinitum. Elizabeth Landau, quantamagazine.org, 11 Oct. 2024 But when packing for St. Barts, few shoppers want to spend days assembling a wardrobe by traipsing from store to store, dressing and undressing in changing rooms ad infinitum, and arranging for alterations on their own. Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2024 This back and forth and back was repeated, sometimes ad infinitum, with beatings, robberies and deaths thrown into the mix. Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024 The goal should be not to contain Iran ad infinitum but to limit its destructive influences while facilitating its transition to a nation that can begin to realize its potential to serve as a constructive force in the world. Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2011 See all Example Sentences for ad infinitum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ad infinitum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ad infīnītum

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ad infinitum was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near ad infinitum

Cite this Entry

“Ad infinitum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20infinitum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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