adverb

forthwith

/fɔːrθˈwɪð/ · say it: FOR·thwith

immediately; without delay

In Formal & Academic

In more detail

1. (adverb) immediately; without delay

Examples

1. The manager ordered him to leave the office forthwith.

How to use forthwith

Forthwith is a formal or legal term meaning immediately or without delay, commonly found in official documents, contracts, and formal written communication. It conveys urgency and a requirement for prompt action, with a more authoritative tone than synonyms like 'immediately' or 'right away'. It is rarely used in casual speech.

Common phrases

must be done forthwith
forthwith upon
forthwith without delay
shall forthwith
forthwith comply

Synonyms

immediately · at once · directly · instantly · right away

Opposites

eventually · later · eventually

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use forthwith in informal contexts where simpler words like 'immediately' or 'at once' would be more natural and appropriate.

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