Word of the Day
: March 4, 2026ad hoc
playWhat It Means
Ad hoc describes something that is formed or used for a special purpose, or that is made or done without planning because of an immediate need.
// An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the matter.
// The company will hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.
ad hoc in Context
"At the centre of the plan were tools designed to help governments and councils move beyond ad hoc responses to extreme weather." — Kirsty Johnston, The New Zealand Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Did You Know?
In Latin ad hoc literally means "for this," and in English the term 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 broadly 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."
Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes
Quiz
Fill in the blanks to complete an adjective meaning "composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment": e _ t _ _ p o _ a _ _ o u s.
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