Definition

ad hoc

By

Ivy Wigmore

Ad hoc is an adjective used to describe things that are created on the spot, usually for a single use.

A Latin term that translates literally as “for this,” ad hoc implies innovation, creativity and spontaneity. The term is widely applied in information technology (IT) and business contexts.

Here are a few examples:

An ad hoc network is a local area network (LAN) that is built spontaneously as devices connect.
Ad hoc testing is an informal and improvisational approach to assessing the viability of a product.
Ad hoc analysis is a business intelligence process designed to answer a single, specific business question.
Adhocracy is a corporate culture model that emphasizes the ability to adapt swiftly to changing conditions.

This was last updated in February 2014

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