in extremis
Americanadverb
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in extremity.
-
near death.
adverb
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in extremity; in dire straits
-
at the point of death
Etymology
Origin of in extremis
literally: in the furthest reaches
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The prima donna in extremis in Pearl Cleage’s “Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous,” which is having its Los Angeles premiere at the Geffen Playhouse, has an air of Bette Davis extravagance to her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
Bond holdings are concentrated in domestic pension funds and life insurers, and in extremis the BoJ could resume buying itself.
From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026
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 ● Apr. 16, 2024
"Obviously if someone is in extremis, is unwell, we need to treat them. We have a duty to do that," he said.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2024
Unfortunately, when he found himself in extremis at the board and called on his chess muse to save him, there was no answer.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
