hasty

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Done too quickly and without enough thought, so that mistakes are likely.

   Grammar: Often critical: a hasty decision; the noun is haste.

   Patterns

   • a hasty decision
   • be hasty in doing something

   It would be hasty to quit before you hear the offer.

   Her hasty reply caused confusion.

   Don't make a hasty judgment about the new student.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Done in a rush because there is very little time, usually short and brief.

   Grammar: Describes quick actions, with less criticism: a hasty meal.

   Patterns

   • a hasty exit
   • a hasty meal

   We ate a hasty breakfast and ran for the bus.

   He made a hasty exit when the manager arrived.

   She scribbled a hasty note and left it on the table.

Word forms

Common combinations

hasty decision

A hasty decision cost the company millions.

hasty retreat

The dog beat a hasty retreat from the bath.

hasty conclusion

Jumping to a hasty conclusion is risky.

hasty generalization

The essay was full of hasty generalizations.

beat a hasty retreat

They beat a hasty retreat when the rain started.

Synonyms and how they differ

rash

Rash suggests reckless action without considering danger, whereas hasty mainly means done with too much speed.

impulsive

Impulsive describes acting on a sudden urge, while hasty is about rushing without checking.

rushed

Rushed can describe any job done quickly, but hasty usually hints at poor judgment.

quick

Quick is neutral about quality, but hasty usually has a negative sense.

Opposites

Word family

haste noun

great speed, especially in a careless way

hasten verb

to hurry or speed up

hastily adverb

in a hurried way

hastiness noun

the quality of being rushed

Commonly confused: hasty or hasten?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “hasty”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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