ad-hoc
For this only
Ad-hoc describes something created for a specific purpose or situation rather than planned in advance: an ad-hoc committee, an ad-hoc solution.
The term suggests improvisation—addressing immediate needs without broader framework.
Often hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, unhyphenated otherwise: The group was formed ad hoc to address the crisis.
Temporarily fixed with scraps
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- band-aidAdhesive strip for cuts
- bodgedHastily, shoddily repaired
patchwork · rough-and-ready · cobbled · crude · rudimentary · duct-tape · workaround · lash-up
Without advance preparation
- extemporaneousDone without advance preparation
- on-the-flyDone without prior planning
- spur-of-the-momentDone without advance planning
- off-the-cuffUnplanned, unrehearsed
ad-libbed · unrehearsed · unscripted · cobbled-together · thrown-together · jury-rigged · quick-and-dirty · winged
Provisional in-between phase
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
- short-termOf limited duration
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- transientTemporary, soon departing
expedient · tentative · bridging · holding · transitional · placeholder · stand-in · fill-in
Relaxed, not official
- looseNot firmly secured
- flexibleAble to bend freely
- undefinedNot clearly delineated
- unplannedNot arranged beforehand
unsystematic · disorganized · haphazard · random · uncoordinated · decentralized · organic · emergent
Evaluated separately, not uniformly
- circumstantialBased on inference, not proof
- on-demandAvailable upon request
- purpose-builtMade for specific function
- customHabitual group practice
tailored · bespoke · one-off · specific · particular · specialized · targeted · need-based
jury-rigged
Temporarily fixed with scraps
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- kludgeAwkward but functional solution
- band-aidAdhesive strip for cuts
bodged · patchwork · rough-and-ready · cobbled · crude · rudimentary · duct-tape · workaround · lash-up · rigged
impromptu
Without advance preparation
- extemporaneousDone without advance preparation
- on-the-flyDone without prior planning
- spur-of-the-momentDone without advance planning
off-the-cuff · ad-libbed · unrehearsed · unscripted · cobbled-together · thrown-together · jury-rigged · quick-and-dirty · winged · devised
interim
Provisional in-between phase
- provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
- short-termOf limited duration
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
transient · expedient · tentative · bridging · holding · transitional · placeholder · stand-in · fill-in · acting
informal
Relaxed, not official
unplanned · unsystematic · disorganized · haphazard · random · uncoordinated · decentralized · organic · emergent · grassroots
case-by-case
Evaluated separately, not uniformly
- circumstantialBased on inference, not proof
- on-demandAvailable upon request
- purpose-builtMade for specific function
custom · tailored · bespoke · one-off · specific · particular · specialized · targeted · need-based
- rough-and-readymakeshift, improvised, crude, rough, provisional
- mesh networksmesh network, mesh router, self-healing, Zigbee
ad-hocplanned
Decided on beforehand
premeditated · deliberate · prearranged · predetermined · well-planned
ad-hocpermanent
Fixed without end
standing · established · enduring · institutionalized · ongoing
ad-hocsystematic
Following ordered procedures
structured · organized · methodical · standardized · formalized