breakneck

American

[breyk-nek] / ˈbreɪkˌnɛk /

adjective

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

He raced through the streets at breakneck speed.

breakneck British

/ ˈbreɪkˌnɛk /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of breakneck

First recorded in 1555–65; break + neck

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On a sweltering day, they could not play at a breakneck speed, could not bring that physical intensity to bear, and the quieter tempo almost suited them.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

For him, the data centre project is born of "infatuation with all things digital" and "developing AI at breakneck speed in all directions".

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The memory-chip market is growing at breakneck speed, driving big gains for Micron Technology stock.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Both players showcased their preference for first-strike tennis, knocking lumps out of the ball from the baseline, in a high-level contest played at breakneck speed.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

The entire ocean surges forward at breakneck speed.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

breakneck

adjective

adjective

Etymology

Origin of breakneck

Example Sentences

Related Words