Fastness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfas(t)-nəs/ fast·ness

Meaning & Definition of Fastness

Fastness (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being fast
  2. the quality or state of being fixed
  3. the quality or state of being swift

Fastness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a high rate of movement or performance

    "the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he'd used any water"

    similar: celerity, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speed, speediness, swiftness, velocity
    related: clip, gait, pace, rate, tempo, drive, hustle, acceleration, hastiness, precipitation, precipitousness, rush, alacrity, dispatch, expedition, expeditiousness, promptitude, promptness, warp speed
    opposite: slowness, sluggishness
    near: languidness, languor, leisureliness, lethargy, torpidity, torpor, reluctance, deliberateness, deliberation, dilatoriness, lateness, pokiness, procrastination

  2. a structure or place from which one can resist attack

    "the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains"

    similar: bastion, castle, citadel, fort, fortification, fortress, hold, redoubt, stronghold
    related: battlement, breastwork, bulwark, earthwork, embattlement, parapet, rampart, bunker, dugout, blockhouse, garrison house, alcazar, casbah

  3. adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty

    "his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question"

    similar: adhesion, allegiance, attachment, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth
    related: affection, fondness, determination, firmness, resolution, dependability, reliability, trustability, trustiness, trustworthiness
    opposite: disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness
    near: alienation, disaffection, estrangement, separation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fastness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fastness:

celerity, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speed, speediness, swiftness, velocity, bastion, castle, citadel, fort, fortification, fortress, hold, redoubt, stronghold, adhesion, allegiance, attachment, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fastness

Words with the opposite meaning of Fastness:

slowness, sluggishness, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness

Related Words for Fastness

clip, gait, pace, rate, tempo, drive, hustle, acceleration, hastiness, precipitation, precipitousness, rush, alacrity, dispatch, expedition, expeditiousness, promptitude, promptness, warp speed, battlement, breastwork, bulwark, earthwork, embattlement, parapet, rampart, bunker, dugout, blockhouse, garrison house

Near Antonyms of Fastness

languidness, languor, leisureliness, lethargy, torpidity, torpor, reluctance, deliberateness, deliberation, dilatoriness, lateness, pokiness, procrastination, alienation, disaffection, estrangement, separation

Origin & Etymology of Fastness

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Fastness

What does "Fastness" mean?

"Fastness" means the quality or state of being fast. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being fast. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fastness"?

Other words for "Fastness" include celerity, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness and speed. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fastness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fastness"?

There are 78 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fastness". Common alternatives include celerity, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speed, speediness and swiftness.

What is the opposite of "Fastness"?

Antonyms of "Fastness" include slowness, sluggishness, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy and infidelity. Near antonyms include languidness, languor, leisureliness and lethargy.

How do you use "Fastness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fastness" in a sentence: "the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he'd used any water"; "the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains"; "his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question".

Is "Fastness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fastness" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Fastness"?

"Fastness" is pronounced /ˈfas(t)-nəs/ and divided into syllables as fast·ness.

What is the origin of the word "Fastness"?

First known use: before 12th century.