: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application
The decisions were made ad hoc.
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
large ad hoc parades and demonstrations—
Nat Hentoff
Nat Hentoff
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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
Miriam Chickering, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Now the account—which has more than 60,000 followers—is posting actual updates on the papal vacancy, and even is working with ad hoc correspondents on the ground in Rome.
—Meg Zukin, Time, 8 May 2025
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
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Adverb
As more regions face overlapping shocks, ad hoc responses fail when events cascade unpredictably.
—Miriam Chickering, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Now the account—which has more than 60,000 followers—is posting actual updates on the papal vacancy, and even is working with ad hoc correspondents on the ground in Rome.
—Meg Zukin, Time, 8 May 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Ad hoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hoc. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
ad hoc
1 of 2 adverb
: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application
ad hoc
2 of 2 adjective1
: 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
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