adverb

ASAP

AY-sap or ay-ess-ay-PEE

ASAP (adverb) means As quickly as circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay. Example: “Can you send me the signed copy ASAP?”

adverb

informal As quickly as circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay.

"Can you send me the signed copy ASAP?"

"We need a decision asap, ideally before the meeting closes."

adjective

informal Requiring the fastest possible action.

"Mark it as an ASAP job so the workshop sees it first."

How to use ASAP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs fast as you can manage.

When to use it

Fine in email, chat and speech, but too casual for formal letters and contracts, where 'as soon as reasonably practicable' or a stated deadline is clearer.

Memory tip

ASAP sounds pressing, so pair it with a real time if the deadline matters: 'ASAP, and no later than Friday'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ASAP vs. immediately AFAIK

Common pairings

need it ASAP reply ASAP get back to me ASAP as soon as possible

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Can you send me the signed copy _____?

Etymology

An initialism of as soon as possible.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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immediately urgently right away promptly at once urgent priority rush

Related words

now run soon attack charge quickly immediately directly

Frequently asked questions

What does ASAP stand for?

It stands for 'as soon as possible'. It can be said as a word, AY-sap, or spelled out letter by letter, and both are accepted.

Is ASAP rude in an email?

It can read as pushy, because it presses for speed without acknowledging the other person's workload. Naming an actual deadline and a reason is usually received better, for example 'by 3pm today so I can send the report'.

What is the meaning of ASAP?

"ASAP" (adverb) means as quickly as circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay.

What is another word for ASAP?

Other words for "ASAP" include immediately, urgently, right away, promptly, at once, urgent.

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now run soon attack charge quickly immediately directly