breakneck

American  

[breyk-nek] / ˈbreɪkˌnɛk /

adjective

1. reckless or dangerous, especially because of excessive speed; hazardous.

   He raced through the streets at breakneck speed.

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breakneck British  

/ ˈbreɪkˌnɛk /

adjective

1. (prenominal) (of speed, pace, etc) excessive and dangerous

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Etymology

Origin of breakneck

First recorded in 1555–65; break + neck

Example Sentences

Despite the widely publicized race for the exits among holders of so-called semiliquid funds, private credit is still expanding, albeit not at last year’s breakneck pace.

From Barron's

But calibrated, not breakneck, expansion appears to be factored into the business projections.

From BBC

I asked slowly, still reeling from the breakneck pace of the telephone exchange and trying to wrap my head around what had happened.

From Literature

During the pandemic, they expanded at a breakneck speed to keep up with demand.

From The Wall Street Journal

“One Battle After Another” moves with breakneck speed, its 162 minutes going by in a flash.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• headlong
• rapid