adhoc

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "adhoc" is a real word that can be used in English.
It is an adjective that describes something done for a specific purpose, often in an improvised or unplanned manner. For example, you could say "We had to come up with an adhoc solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Ronald Reagan, an adhoc organization called Americans for Tax Reform, which mobilized support for a congressional bill proposing broad revisions to the U.S. tax code.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some just posted their addresses, while others, like Thomas Nigro asked Twitter users to contact them: A typical post from Florian Duretz read: The adhoc system seemed to work, with one user posting: "My Friends are safe, in a random woman's home.

The Guardian

There are six part-time paid members of staff, and nine horticultural therapy professionals who visit the garden on an adhoc basis to provide support.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If that benchmark was met, the adhoc nature of the discussions could be institutionalised into a process, with regular meetings - probability alternating between venues like Geneva and Istanbul.

The Guardian

The evidence about how decisions were made over the past month points to reactive, adhoc and impulsive moves rather than the implementation of a strategic gambit long in the planning.

The Guardian

That the decision-making was adhoc does not mean it did not tap into aspirations that have long been bottled up among sections of the Russian elite.

The Guardian

Historically though, the career paths and education and training of the 50,000 NHS scientists who come from 45 different scientific backgrounds, has been adhoc.

The Guardian

He says he went to the provincial court the previous day but was told it could do nothing to help.Roth Thawy, from the local office of ADHOC, a human-rights group, says the villagers' case was one of 33 land-grabbing complaints received from across Kompong Speu last year.

The Economist

Licadho, the Cambodian human rights group Adhoc and the Cambodian Center for Human Rights are pursuing their own investigations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As a result, according to the Cambodian NGO Adhoc and others, E.L.C. for sugarcane production have claimed farmland throughout Cambodia, leaving many people landless.

The New York Times

Chut Wutty's death was a "tragedy," said Neang Boratino, a co-ordinator in Koh Kong province for the respected Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association ADHOCCambodian Human Rights and Development Association ADHOC

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adhoc" to describe solutions or committees that are created for a specific, immediate purpose, especially when a more formal or permanent arrangement is not yet in place. For example, "an adhoc committee was formed to address the budget shortfall".

Common error

Avoid using "adhoc" when describing long-term strategies or initiatives. It is best suited for temporary, short-term arrangements, and using it otherwise can suggest a lack of planning or foresight.

Linguistic Context

The term "adhoc" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is created or done for a specific, immediate purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that "adhoc" describes something done for a specific purpose, often improvised or unplanned.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "adhoc" describes something created or done for a specific, immediate purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing situations that are often improvised or unplanned. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional settings. When using "adhoc", ensure it accurately reflects a temporary and specific arrangement rather than a long-term strategy. Remember, the frequency of use is common, highlighting its relevance in contemporary language. Consider alternatives like "temporary solution" or "makeshift arrangement" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary solution

Emphasizes the limited duration of the solution.

makeshift arrangement

Highlights the improvised nature of the arrangement.

provisional measure

Suggests a temporary action taken while awaiting a more permanent solution.

stopgap solution

Implies that the solution is used to fill an immediate need or gap.

on-the-spot fix

Focuses on the immediacy and spontaneity of the solution.

impromptu setup

Highlights the unplanned and spontaneous nature of the setup.

extemporaneous arrangement

Stresses that the arrangement was created without prior preparation.

contingency plan

Highlights the planning for unexpected occurrences.

reactive measure

Highlights the unplanned and spontaneous nature of the setup.

quick fix

Emphasizes the speed and simplicity of the solution.

FAQs

How to use "adhoc" in a sentence?

You can use "adhoc" to describe committees, solutions, or arrangements that are created for a specific and immediate purpose. For example, "The company formed an "adhoc" committee to handle the crisis".

What is the difference between "adhoc" and "temporary"?

"Adhoc" implies a solution or arrangement that is created specifically for a current need, often without much planning. "Temporary" simply means not permanent, without necessarily implying it was created on the spur of the moment.

What can I say instead of "adhoc"?

You can use alternatives like "temporary solution", "makeshift arrangement", or "provisional measure" depending on the context.

Is "adhoc" formal or informal?

"Adhoc" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often found in professional or news-related settings to describe specifically created, often short-term, solutions or arrangements.