ad hoc

1 of 2

adjective

ˈad-ˈhäk  -ˈhōk 

ˈäd-ˈhōk

1

a

: concerned with a particular end or purpose

an ad hoc investigating committee

b

: formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs

ad hoc solutions

2

: fashioned from whatever is immediately available : improvised

On his desk sits an ad hoc model rocket, jerry-rigged together from a paper clip and an old pencil eraser.

—John Semley

ad hoc

2 of 2

adverb

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

The decisions were made ad hoc.

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."

Synonyms of ad hoc

Adjective

• impromptu
• improvised
• improvisational

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

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

Adverb

This ad hoc ecosystem of technology is creating a vicious cycle where the very technology meant to solve problems ends up creating more. —Daniel Kendzior, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

Europe responds with ad hoc deals, emergency summits, and moral panics. —Jonathan Portes, Time, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

derivative of ad hoc entry 2

Adverb

borrowed from Latin, "for this"

First Known Use

Adjective

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1639, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ad hoc

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

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Legal Definition

ad hoc

1 of 2 adverb

ˈad-ˈhäk, -ˈhōk; ˈäd-ˈhōk 

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

ad hoc

2 of 2 adjective

1

: concerned with a particular end or purpose

an ad hoc investigating committee

2

: formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs

ad hoc solutions

Etymology

Adverb

Latin, for this