What does hurriedly mean?
“Hurriedly” is an adverb meaning that someone does something quickly and with a sense of urgency. It often suggests that time is short, as in “She hurriedly left the meeting,” but it can also carry a mild criticism: doing something hurriedly may mean acting without enough care or thought. The word is especially natural when describing a quick departure, a hurried search, or an unfinished task. It is related to the adjective “hurried” and the noun “hurry,” and its effect is more specific than simply saying that something happened quickly. In everyday writing, “hurriedly” is useful when the speed and pressure of the action are both important parts of the meaning.
adverbIn a hurried manner, with little time or deliberation. It describes doing something quickly and often with urgency or lack of care.
- In a hurried manner, quickly and with urgency.
- With insufficient time or deliberation, often implying carelessness or lack of thoroughness.
"She hurriedly packed her bag and left for the station."
"The witness hurriedly read through the notes before the court entered."
"I hurriedly shut the door and realized that I had left my keys inside."
“Hurriedly” captures the feeling of a deadline in a single word: speed is not just suggested, but presented as the manner of the action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hurriedly come from?
“Hurriedly” was formed in the 17th century by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “hurried,” which in turn comes from “hurry.” “Hurry” entered Middle English from Old French “hurier,” associated with hastening or hurrying, though the exact historical development of the word is not entirely clear. The modern family preserves the idea of movement under time pressure: “hurry,” “hurried,” “hurriedly,” and “hurriedness.”
Related word forms
How hurriedly is actually used
It is commonly used with verbs such as “left,” “checked,” “finished,” and “gathered.” It can suggest urgency, but it may also imply that an action was rushed or insufficiently considered.
Easily confused with hurriedly
“Hurriedly” is an adverb describing how an action is done, while “hurried” is an adjective describing a person, action, or event.