What does hastily mean?
Hastily is an adverb meaning “in a hurried way” or “with excessive speed.” Its everyday use often implies urgency: someone may speak, move, or complete a task hastily because time is short. In more critical contexts, it also suggests that the action was rash, careless, or insufficiently considered. For example, hastily packing for a journey may simply describe a quick departure, whereas hastily approving a proposal can imply that the decision was made without proper scrutiny. The word is common in formal writing, journalism, literary prose, and everyday speech. Although similar to “quickly,” hastily often carries a stronger connotation of haste, pressure, and potentially inadequate attention. It is therefore especially useful when the speed of an action matters and when that speed may have consequences.
adverbWith excessive speed or urgency, often without the care or deliberation that the situation requires.
- At great speed or urgency; in a hurry.
- In a rash or careless manner, without adequate deliberation.
"She hastily packed the bag and caught the last train."
"She hastily packed the bag and caught the last train."
"The minister hastily withdrew the remark after realizing its implications."
Hastily carries a useful double warning: it can mean “quickly” or “without enough thought.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hastily come from?
Hastily is an English adverb formed from the adjective hasty and the suffix -ly, which gives the adjective an adverbial meaning. Hasty comes from Old English hæstig, meaning “quick” or “hurried,” and belongs to the same word family as haste, hasten, and hastiness. The modern adverb has developed a range of meanings extending from rapid action to action taken without adequate care.
How hastily is actually used
Hastily is neutral in register but often suggests that speed has come at the expense of care or judgment. It can describe an action completed quickly, a decision made without reflection, or speech or writing produced in urgent circumstances.