in extremis

adverb

in ex·​tre·​mis ˌin-ik-ˈstrē-məs  -ˈstrā- 

: in extreme circumstances

especially : at the point of death

Examples of in extremis in a Sentence

They are helping a family in extremis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even in extremis, Szymborska knew, life persists on its own terms and must be honored. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025

As politics and love converge, the film traces a journey marked by resilience, heartbreak, and the impossible choices forced upon women in extremis. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

The two movies do share a portrait of capitalism in extremis, in which the race to hold onto increasingly smaller pieces of a rapidly dissolving pie feeds more surreal transgressions. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2025

Every moment is enrapturing, every twist heart-seizing in this keenly imagined, ravishing, and profound celebration of life in extremis. — Literary Hub, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in extremis

• imprimis
• remus

Medical Definition

in extremis

adverb

in ex·​tre·​mis ˌin-ik-ˈstrē-məs  -ˈstrā- 

: at the point of death