one-time
UK: ˈwʌn.taɪm | US: ˈwʌn.taɪm
adj. happening or done only once
adj. former; at a past time
The word "one-time" is a straightforward compound formed by combining "one" (from Old English "ān," meaning "single") and "time" (from Old English "tīma," meaning "occasion" or "period"). It emerged in Modern English to describe something occurring once ("a one-time event") or someone’s former status ("a one-time champion"). The logic is transparent: "one" restricts "time" to a singular instance or a specific past moment.
This is a one-time offer, so don’t miss it.
She was a one-time employee at the company before starting her own business.
The software allows a one-time password for secure login.
He made a one-time donation to the charity.
The error was a one-time glitch and hasn’t recurred.