headlong

USAGE SUMMARY

"headlong" is a perfectly usable word in written English.
It is an adverb that means "with headlong haste; impetuously; recklessly" (source: Merriam-Webster). You can use it when talking about a person or an object that is moving in a reckless manner. For example: "He ran headlong through the office, not noticing anyone in his path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Episode one grabs your lapels and drags you headlong back into the Whitechapel filth, and within a few short minutes the air is thick with horror and calamity thanks to "an event".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With required Spidey origins story segues such as the death of Uncle Ben and that fight with Flash Thompson out of the way, it dives headlong into new territory with an audible cry of relief.

The Guardian - Film

The economy's expansion has been heedless as well as relentless, breakneck as well as headlong.

The Economist

Unfortunately Mr Costas went headlong into American subprime mortgages.

The Economist

He has been described as a "moth to the flame" for his derring-do in 2008 and also in 1989, when he fluttered headlong into the student protest movement.

The Economist

Sophie Gee's handsome and wilful heroes plunge headlong into a whirl of hedonism and heady politics in a rollicking imagined prequel to Pope's most famous poem, "The Rape of the Lock".

The Economist

Or go headlong into the hip Yppenplatz Markt in a Croat-Turkish neighbourhood, a big draw for the "bobos" – the bourgeois bohemians who like to be seen sipping local beer at some of the colourful outdoor cafes.

The Guardian - Travel

It is now expected to be announced as a consultation rather than a draft law, as Cameron may not have the support to get it through the Commons with his wafer-thin majority of 12. Alex Salmond, the SNP MP and former first minister of Scotland, told the BBC it showed the government was in "headlong retreat" and that it "had not taken long to get blown off course".

The Guardian

Again, this was presented as a judgment about what was likely to be effective, and be seen in the region as effective.On Iran, Mr Kerry has also repeatedly signalled his belief that America must appear to be exhausting diplomacy, rather than allow critics to paint it as rushing headlong into conflict.

The Economist

He is not clear about where it may next be applied implementation of current policies will be hard enough but says he wants to stop the "headlong rush to more state intervention".

The Economist

American litigiousness, it would seem, is at war with the childhood fun of rushing headlong and out-of-control down a snow-covered hillside.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "headlong" to vividly describe actions taken with great speed and a lack of caution, adding emphasis to the impulsive nature of the movement or decision.

Common error

Avoid confusing "headlong" (reckless speed) with "headstrong" (willful and stubborn). While both imply a lack of restraint, "headlong" emphasizes the speed and impetuosity of an action, whereas "headstrong" emphasizes the stubbornness of a person's character.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "headlong" functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests reckless speed or impetuosity. Examples show its use in describing rapid declines or rushes into situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "headlong" is an adverb that signifies reckless speed and a lack of caution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and potential danger. Be mindful not to confuse it with "headstrong". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can wield "headlong" to enrich your writing with vivid and impactful descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precipitately

Indicates acting or done with undue haste or suddenness, often without careful consideration.

recklessly

Implies a disregard for danger or the consequences of one's actions.

impetuously

Suggests acting on sudden feeling rather than thought, often leading to rash decisions.

rashly

Highlights acting without thinking or considering the potential negative outcomes.

hastily

Emphasizes speed and quickness, potentially at the expense of thoroughness or accuracy.

headfirst

Refers to doing something without reservation and diving straight into it.

without thinking

Points out a lack of forethought or consideration before acting.

at breakneck speed

Conveys extreme speed and potential danger, often in a literal sense.

in a rush

Highlights doing something quickly because of a lack of time or a desire to finish it rapidly.

blindly

Suggests acting without awareness or understanding of the situation or potential consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "headlong" in a sentence?

You can use "headlong" to describe a rapid and often reckless movement or action. For example: "The economy plunged "headlong" into recession."

What does "headlong" mean?

"Headlong" means with the head first or down; or in a rash or reckless manner. It indicates speed and a lack of caution.

What are some alternatives to using "headlong"?

Alternatives to "headlong" include "precipitately", "recklessly", or "impetuously" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "in headlong retreat"?

Yes, "in headlong retreat" is a correct and evocative phrase. It suggests a rapid and disorganized withdrawal, as in: "The government was in "headlong retreat" after the scandal broke."