Dec 4, 2016 · haste, hurry, speed, expedition, dispatch mean quickness in movement or action. haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

In spite of all their haste, they didn’t have time to finish. Officials acted in haste (= too quickly), without understanding the situation.

haste (heɪst) n. 1. swiftness of motion; speed. 2. unnecessarily quick action; thoughtless, rash, or undue speed: Haste makes waste. 3. urgent need of quick action; a hurry.

swiftness of motion; speed; celerity He performed his task with great haste They felt the need for haste

Definition of haste noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · haste (usually uncountable, plural hastes) Speed; swiftness; dispatch. quotations We were running late so we finished our meal in haste.

Factsheet What does the noun haste mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun haste. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.