breakneck

/ˈbreɪknek/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbreɪknek/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbrāk-ˈnek/ (ame, mw)

breakneck — adjective

  • breakneckpositive
  • more breakneckcomparative
  • most breaknecksuperlative

1. moving, happening, or being done at an extreme speed that feels unsafe and hard

1.形容詞B2
釋義

moving, happening, or being done at an extreme speed that feels unsafe and hard to control.

例句

The bus driver kept a breakneck pace on the narrow mountain road.

collocation: breakneck pace

At breakneck speed, Hari cycled downhill before the storm reached town.

phrase: at breakneck speed

同義詞
  • fast

    the neutral everyday word for speed, without any idea of danger

  • rapid

    more formal; often used for change, growth, or response rather than physical danger

  • reckless

    focuses on ignoring risk, even when speed is not the main point

  • headlong

    emphasises rushing forward without enough thought, often in action or decision-making

反義詞
  • slow

    moving or happening at a low speed

  • measured

    done in a calm, controlled way rather than in a wild rush

  • cautious

    showing care to avoid danger or mistakes

文法句型

breakneck + noun (speed / pace / growth / schedule / dash)

at + breakneck + speed

用法筆記

Usually used before nouns that describe speed, movement, or a very demanding rate of activity. It is especially common in the phrase 'at breakneck speed' and sounds more dramatic than fast or quick because it suggests danger or loss of control.

常見錯誤

❌The train is breakneck.
✅The train is going at breakneck speed.
💡'breakneck' is usually used before nouns like 'speed', 'pace', or 'schedule', not by itself after 'be'.
❌My computer is breakneck today.
✅My computer is very fast today.
💡'breakneck' suggests extreme speed that feels dangerous or wildly rushed, not ordinary quick performance.