What does haste mean?
Haste describes unusual or excessive speed, especially when speed is treated as valuable in itself. It often implies a danger: a decision made in haste may be poorly considered, and an action performed in haste may be clumsy or incomplete. The word can nevertheless be neutral when a situation genuinely demands urgency, as in “the emergency was handled with haste.” Haste is therefore broader than simply acting quickly; it suggests a relationship between speed and pressure, and frequently carries the suggestion that care has been sacrificed. The related adjective hasty describes a person or action that is impetuous or overly hurried, while the archaic verb haste means to hurry or hasten. In modern English, the noun is far more common than the verb, and the expression “haste makes waste” is one of the word’s best-known associations.
Haste is excessive or urgent speed in acting, moving, or making a decision, often suggesting insufficient time for care or thought.
"The proposal was approved in haste, and several problems were overlooked."
Usually uncountable. It is commonly negative, but may be neutral when prompt action is necessary.
To haste is to move or act with speed or urgency.
"The messenger hastes to bring news of the victory."
Chiefly literary or archaic; hasten is standard in modern usage.
The plural is rare and literary; modern usage normally treats haste as an uncountable noun.
"The journal records the hastes and delays of the expedition."
The proverb “haste makes waste” captures the age-old warning that speed without care can cost more time than it saves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How haste is actually used
As a noun, haste is normally uncountable and often carries a negative connotation, suggesting urgency, impatience, or a lack of care. It can be neutral in expressions such as “in haste” when prompt action is genuinely required. As a verb, haste is now chiefly literary or archaic; hasten is the usual modern form.
Easily confused with haste
Haste is usually a noun meaning rapid or overhasty action, while hasten is a verb meaning to make or move with greater speed.