in extremis

• Locution latine utilisée en anglais signifiant « dans des circonstances extrêmes » ou « à l’agonie » ; souvent employée pour décrire un dernier recours ou une situation de détresse désespérée.

A Latin phrase used in English meaning 'in extreme circumstances' or 'at the point of death'; often used to describe a last resort or a situation where someone is in dire straits.

1. At the point of deathC2formal

   In a very critical or dying state; at the last moments of life.

   à l'agonie

   • The patient was in extremis when the ambulance arrived.
   • The soldier, in extremis, whispered his final words.
   • The doctors fought to save him, but he was already in extremis.

2. In extremely difficult circumstancesC2formal

   In a desperate or very challenging situation, often requiring urgent action.

   dans des circonstances extrêmement difficiles

   • The company was in extremis and had to declare bankruptcy.
   • The negotiations were in extremis, with both sides refusing to compromise.
   • In extremis, the climbers had to abandon their equipment to survive.