hasty
HAYS-tee
Hasty (adj) means Done too quickly, without enough thought or care. Example: “It was a hasty decision that he later regretted.”
adj
1
Done too quickly, without enough thought or care.
"It was a hasty decision that he later regretted."
"Don't be so hasty — let's think this through."
2
Quick-tempered; easily provoked.
"He's a hasty man who says things he doesn't mean."
How to use hasty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRushed — either a rushed action taken without proper thought, or a person quick to react or lose their temper.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "hasty" meaning simply "fast" in a neutral sense — it almost always implies a lack of care or patience.
Common pairings
hasty retreat
hasty decision
hasty exit
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Word forms
- Comparative
- hastier
- Superlative
- hastiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a _____ decision that he later regretted.
Etymology
From Middle English hasty, formed from "haste" plus "-y," mirrored by similar words in other Germanic languages.
Synonyms
View more →
hurried
rushed
rash
impulsive
reckless
quick-tempered
precipitous
overhasty
headlong
precipitate
precipitant
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hasty
See all rhymes for hasty →Frequently asked questions
What does “hasty” mean?
The word “hasty” means done too quickly, without enough thought or care. In plain terms, rushed — either a rushed action taken without proper thought, or a person quick to react or lose their temper.
How do you pronounce “hasty”?
“Hasty” is pronounced HAYS-tee (/ˈheɪsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “hasty” in a sentence?
Here is “hasty” used in a sentence: “It was a hasty decision that he later regretted.”
What part of speech is “hasty”?
“Hasty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hasty” come from?
The word “hasty” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hasty, formed from "haste" plus "-y," mirrored by similar words in other Germanic languages.
Is “hasty” a common word?
“Hasty” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “hasty” have?
“Hasty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: done too quickly, without enough thought or care.
