inchoately

C2
Pronunciation
/in-ˈkō-ət/
/in-ˈkō-ət, ˈiŋ-kō-ˌāt/
Adjective
6 definition(s)
1 Definition

being only partly in existence or operation : incipient

Example Sentences
  • … misty, inchoate suspicions that all is not well with the nation … —J. M. Perry
2 Definition

law : not yet transformed into actual use or possession

Example Sentences
  • Until an employee has earned his retirement pay … his retirement pay is but an inchoate right …—Peterson v. Fire & Police Pension Ass'n, 759 P.2d 720 (1988)
3 Definition

law : of or relating to a crime (as conspiracy) which consists of acts that are preliminary to another crime and that are in themselves criminal

4 Definition

not yet made complete, certain, or specific : not perfected see also inchoate lien at lien

5 Definition

not yet transformed into actual use or possession

Example Sentences
  • until an employee has earned his retirement pay…[it] is but an inchoate right—Peterson v. Fire & Police Pension Ass'n, 759 P.2d 720 (1988)
6 Definition

of or relating to a crime (as attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy) which consists of acts that are preliminary to another crime and that are in themselves criminal compare choate