adjective

fast paced

fast PAYST

Fast paced (adjective) means moving or happening quickly, with events following one another in rapid succession. Example: “It's a fast-paced thriller you'll finish in a weekend.”

adjective

Moving or happening quickly, with events following one another in rapid succession.

"It's a fast-paced thriller you'll finish in a weekend."

"The first half was fast-paced and full of chances."

Of a workplace or industry: demanding, high-pressure and constantly busy.

"We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment."

How to use fast paced

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEverything happens quickly.

When to use it

Neutral; near-obligatory in job adverts and book and film reviews, to the point of cliché.

Memory tip

'High-paced' is not standard English; use fast-paced or high-pressure.

Easily confused with

high-paced slow-paced fast-moving

Common pairings

fast-paced environment fast-paced thriller fast-paced world fast-paced industry

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Synonyms

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rapid brisk quick-moving breakneck hectic high-pressure demanding busy dynamic

Antonyms

slow-paced leisurely sedate plodding relaxed steady

Related words

serious difficult fast active regular quick slow busy

Rhymes for fast paced

faced paced raced laced placed braced effaced surfaced misplaced disgraced

See all rhymes for fast paced →

Frequently asked questions

What does 'fast-paced environment' mean in a job advert?

Literally, that priorities shift often and work arrives quickly. In practice it is frequently code for heavy workloads, short deadlines and understaffing, so it is worth asking at interview what a typical week actually looks like.

Is it fast-paced or fast paced?

Hyphenate it before a noun — a fast-paced novel. Most style guides keep the hyphen after the verb too, since 'fast' modifies 'paced' rather than the noun.

What is the meaning of fast paced?

"fast paced" (adjective) means moving or happening quickly, with events following one another in rapid succession.

What is another word for fast paced?

Other words for "fast paced" include rapid, brisk, quick-moving, breakneck, hectic, high-pressure.

People also searched

serious difficult fast active regular quick slow busy