AD HOC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ad hoc mean? 

• AD HOC (adjective)
  The adjective AD HOC has 2 senses:

1. often improvised or impromptu

2. for or concerned with one specific purpose

  Familiarity information: AD HOC used as an adjective is rare.

• AD HOC (adverb)
  The adverb AD HOC has 1 sense:

1. for one specific case

  Familiarity information: AD HOC used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AD HOC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Often improvised or impromptu

Context example:

an ad hoc committee meeting

Similar:

unplanned (without apparent forethought or prompting or planning)

Sense 2

Meaning:

For or concerned with one specific purpose

Context example:

a coordinated policy instead of ad hoc decisions

Similar:

specific ((sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique)

• AD HOC (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

For one specific case

Context example:

they were appointed ad hoc

 Context examples 

Ad hoc "think tanks" appointed to address key scientific issues.

(Director's Working Group, NCI Thesaurus)