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

WASHINGTON—Facing a president on a breakneck drive to transform American government, the Supreme Court in 2025 gave him numerous green lights.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cable television movies are able to capitalize on trendy sports like pickleball or buzzy teams like the Bills because of the breakneck pace at which they’re produced.

From Los Angeles Times

After Paramount’s aggressive unsolicited approaches to buy all of Warner Discovery prompted the company to put itself up for sale, Netflix’s winning bid came together at a breakneck pace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Looking at it now, in a time of endless preamble and an on-stage banterfest that would test the patience of a saint, they moved at breakneck speed back then.

From BBC

I had gone through a divorce, the breakneck schedule with Los Amigos had exhausted me, and I decided to take a break and attend the Latin Grammys.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• headlong
• rapid