What does headlong mean?
Headlong describes movement with the head first, as in a person diving headfirst, and more broadly describes an action undertaken in a sudden, uncontrolled rush. Because it can suggest a lack of planning, the word often carries a warning or criticism: a headlong decision may ignore consequences, while a headlong pursuit is fast but reckless. It is used as both adjective and adverb, commonly in combinations such as headlong dive, plunge, and rush. Figuratively, phrases like “headlong into” describe plunging into a situation or activity with little hesitation. In standard British and American English, headlong suggests speed and lack of control rather than simply a direction of movement. The word is especially useful when the writer wants to portray eagerness, impulsiveness, or danger, while retaining the vivid image of going forward head first. It appears in formal reporting, literary description, and ordinary conversation, though its slightly dramatic tone can make it less suitable for neutral descriptions of routine action.
Done with the head first, or characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled rush.
"The climber survived a headlong fall into the snow."
In figurative uses, the adjective conveys speed together with a lack of caution or planning.
With the head first; in a rapid, uncontrolled, or impetuous manner.
"He ran headlong down the stairs and nearly fell."
The adverb is often used with verbs such as plunge, dive, rush, and run, and figuratively in the pattern “headlong into” something.
Headlong began with a picture of someone going head first—today it also warns of decisions made before thought can catch up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headlong come from?
Headlong is an English compound formed from the words head and long. It developed in the early modern period around the idea of moving with the head extended or thrown forward, and its figurative sense of rushing with little thought developed from that physical meaning. The head- element links it to a wider family of English words, while the word itself reflects a native English compound rather than a borrowing from Latin or Greek.
How headlong is actually used
Headlong is common in both formal and informal English, but it often has a dramatic or slightly literary tone. Its figurative use implies impulsiveness or recklessness, not merely speed, and can indicate that a situation is being approached without adequate preparation.
Easily confused with headlong
Headfirst specifically describes movement with the head in front, whereas headlong can also mean recklessly or excessively hasty without specifying the body's position.