rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryprecipitateOverly hasty
adjective

precipitate

Done too quickly and without enough care.

Her precipitate decision to quit leaves her without an income.

Etymology
precipitateLatinto throw down headlong

The source verb means to plunge headlong. Precipitate action similarly rushes forward without the caution that might prevent a mistake.

More examples

  • We need more information before taking precipitate action.
  • His precipitate departure left several important questions unanswered.
  • The committee rejected the proposal with precipitate haste.

Forms

precipitate

Similar words

hasty
Emphasizes excessive speed, often with too little thought.
rash
Emphasizes disregard for risks rather than speed alone.
impulsive
Emphasizes acting on sudden feelings rather than careful planning.