ad hoc

1 of 2

adverb

ˈad-ˈhäk  -ˈhōk 

ˈäd-ˈhōk

: 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

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

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

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

Adverb

At that time, there was also a suggestion to form a community ad hoc committee to get more community feedback. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, ad hoc security when an executive travels skyrocketed 300%, Kucera told Fortune. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 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

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

borrowed from Latin, "for this"

Adjective

derivative of ad hoc entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

1639, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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