in extremis

[ in eks-tre-mees; English in ik-stree-mis ]

adverb

, Latin.

1. in extremity.
2. near death.

in extremis

/ ɪn ɪkˈstriːmɪs /

adverb

1. in extremity; in dire straits
2. at the point of death

Word History and Origins

Origin of in extremis¹

literally: in the furthest reaches

Example Sentences

Earl could get a run in midfield in extremis, if injury and fatigue bite hard.

From BBC

“I wanted to be put in a situation in extremis where I would have no choice but to grow. And I got it.”

From New York Times

Such questions bracket a long history of suicide as a tool of political protest in extremis.

From Salon

It is a riveting look at a woman in extremis, channeling a lifetime of pain into one final incandescent act of strength and sacrifice.

From New York Times

"Obviously if someone is in extremis, is unwell, we need to treat them. We have a duty to do that," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• decaying
• doomed
• fading
• moribund