Fast vs. Slow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
"Fast" describes high speed or quick action; "slow" indicates a low speed or a lack of haste.
Difference Between Fast and Slow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Fast" is used to describe something moving at high speed or happening quickly. It is often associated with efficiency and urgency. Conversely, "slow" characterizes a pace that is leisurely or delayed, often suggesting a lack of speed or a reduced rate of movement.
"Fast" can be applied to various scenarios, from physical speed, like a fast runner, to quick mental processes, such as a fast thinker. "Slow," on the other hand, can describe someone who takes more time to understand or complete tasks, or movements that are not rapid.
In the context of lifestyle, "fast" might relate to a fast-paced life filled with activity and brisk transitions. In contrast, a "slow" lifestyle might emphasize relaxation, deliberateness, and taking more time to enjoy activities.
Regarding technology, "fast" can refer to quick data transfer speeds or swift processing times, while "slow" might denote longer load times and sluggish response rates. Fast technology is often preferred in the modern, efficiency-oriented world.
"Fast" and "slow" serve as antonyms, setting the boundaries of speed spectrum in everyday language. Whether referring to the quickness of an action or the sluggishness of progress, these words succinctly characterize the rate of events or actions.
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Comparison Chart
Speed
High speed or velocity
Low speed or velocity
Time
Short duration to complete a task or action
Longer duration to complete a task or action
Metabolism
Rapid metabolic rate
Sluggish metabolic rate
Efficiency
High efficiency in performance
Less efficiency in performance
Urgency
Often connotes urgency or haste
Implies a more relaxed or leisurely pace
Compare with Definitions
Fast
Moving quickly
The cheetah is an incredibly fast runner.
Slow
Not intellectually quick
He was slow to understand the problem.
Fast
Abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink
He was fast for religious reasons.
Slow
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Fast
Acting, moving, or capable of acting or moving quickly; swift.
Slow
Marked by a retarded tempo
A slow waltz.
Fast
Accomplished in relatively little time
A fast visit.
Slow
Taking or requiring a long time
The slow job of making bread.
Fast
Acquired quickly with little effort and sometimes unscrupulously
Made a fast buck scalping tickets.
Slow
Taking more time than is usual
A slow worker.
Slow progress in the peace negotiations.
Fast
Quick to understand or learn; mentally agile
A class for the faster students.
Slow
Allowing movement or action only at a low speed
A slow track.
A slow infield.
Fast
Indicating a time somewhat ahead of the actual time
The clock is fast.
Slow
Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one
A slow clock.
Fast
Allowing rapid movement or action
A fast running track.
Slow
Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate
They were slow to accept our invitation.
Fast
Designed for or compatible with a short exposure time
Fast film.
Slow
Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions
Business was slow today.
Fast
Disposed to dissipation; wild
Ran with a fast crowd.
Slow
Lacking liveliness or interest; boring
A slow party.
Fast
Flouting conventional moral standards; sexually promiscuous.
Slow
Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness
A slow learner.
Fast
Resistant, as to destruction or fading
Fast colors.
Slow
Only moderately warm; low
A slow oven.
Fast
Firmly fixed or fastened
A fast grip.
Slow
So as to fall behind the correct time or rate
The watch runs slow.
Fast
Fixed firmly in place; secure
Shutters that are fast against the rain.
Slow
At a low speed
Go slow!.
Fast
Lasting; permanent
Fast rules and regulations.
Slow
To make slow or slower.
Fast
Deep; sound
In a fast sleep.
Slow
To delay; retard.
Fast
In a secure manner; tightly
Hold fast.
Slow
To become slow or slower.
Fast
To a sound degree; deeply
Fast asleep.
Slow
Taking a long time to move or go a short distance, or to perform an action; not quick in motion; proceeding at a low speed.
A slow train;
A slow computer
Fast
In a rapid manner; quickly.
Slow
Not happening in a short time; spread over a comparatively long time.
Fast
In quick succession
New ideas followed fast.
Slow
Of reduced intellectual capacity; not quick to comprehend.
Fast
Ahead of the correct or expected time
A watch that runs fast.
Slow
Not hasty; not tending to hurry; acting with deliberation or caution.
Fast
In a dissipated, immoderate way
Living fast.
Slow
(of a clock or the like) Behind in time; indicating a time earlier than the true time.
That clock is slow.
Fast
(Archaic) Close by; near.
Slow
Lacking spirit; deficient in liveliness or briskness.
Fast
To abstain from food.
Slow
(of a period of time) Not busy; lacking activity.
It was a slow news day, so the editor asked us to make our articles wordier.
I'm just sitting here with a desk of cards, enjoying a slow afternoon.
Fast
To eat very little or abstain from certain foods, especially as a religious discipline.
Slow
(transitive) To make (something) run, move, etc. less quickly; to reduce the speed of.
Slow the process
Fast
The act or practice of abstaining from or eating very little food.
Slow
(transitive) To keep from going quickly; to hinder the progress of.
Slow the traffic
Fast
A period of such abstention or self-denial.
Slow
(intransitive) To become slow; to slacken in speed; to decelerate.
Fast
(dated) Firmly or securely fixed in place; stable.
That rope is dangerously loose. Make it fast!
Slow
Someone who is slow; a sluggard.
Fast
Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art; impregnable; strong.
Slow
(music) A slow song.
Fast
(of people) Steadfast, with unwavering feeling. (Now mostly in set phrases like fast friend(s).)
Slow
Slowly.
That clock is running slow.
I want to dance with you nice and slow
Fast
Moving with great speed, or capable of doing so; swift, rapid.
I am going to buy a fast car.
Slow
Slew.
Fast
Having a kinetic energy between 1 million and 20 million electron volts; often used to describe the energy state of free neutrons at the moment of their release by a nuclear fission or nuclear fusion reaction (i.e., before the neutrons have been slowed down by anything).
Plutonium-240 has a much higher fission cross-section for fast neutrons than for thermal neutrons.
Slow
Moving a short space in a relatively long time; not swift; not quick in motion; not rapid; moderate; deliberate; as, a slow stream; a slow motion.
Fast
Of a place, characterised by business, hustle and bustle, etc.
Slow
Not happening in a short time; gradual; late.
These changes in the heavens, though slow, producedLike change on sea and land, sidereal blast.
Fast
Causing unusual rapidity of play or action.
A fast racket, or tennis court
A fast track
A fast billiard table
A fast dance floor
Slow
Not ready; not prompt or quick; dilatory; sluggish; as, slow of speech, and slow of tongue.
Fixed on defense, the Trojans are not slowTo guard their shore from an expected foe.
Fast
Able to transfer data in a short period of time.
Slow
Not hasty; not precipitate; acting with deliberation; tardy; inactive.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding.
Fast
Deep or sound (of sleep); fast asleep (of people).
Slow
Behind in time; indicating a time earlier than the true time; as, the clock or watch is slow.
Fast
(of dyes or colours) Not running or fading when subjected to detrimental conditions such as wetness or intense light; permanent.
All the washing has come out pink. That red tee-shirt was not fast.
Slow
Not advancing or improving rapidly; as, the slow growth of arts and sciences.
Fast
(obsolete) Tenacious; retentive.
Slow
Heavy in wit; not alert, prompt, or spirited; wearisome; dull.
Fast
(dated) Having an extravagant lifestyle or immoral habits.
A fast woman
Slow
Slowly.
Let him have time to mark how slow time goesIn time of sorrow.
Fast
Ahead of the correct time or schedule.
There must be something wrong with the hall clock. It is always fast.
Slow
To render slow; to slacken the speed of; to retard; to delay; as, to slow a steamer.
Fast
(of photographic film) More sensitive to light than average.
Slow
To go slower; - often with up; as, the train slowed up before crossing the bridge.
Fast
In a firm or secure manner, securely; in such a way as not to be moved; safe, sound .
Hold this rope as fast as you can.
Slow
A moth.
Fast
(of sleeping) Deeply or soundly .
He is fast asleep.
Slow
Lose velocity; move more slowly;
The car decelerated
Fast
Immediately following in place or time; close, very near .
The horsemen came fast on our heels.
Fast by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped. / That ain't my style, said Casey. Strike one, the umpire said.
Slow
Become slow or slower;
Production slowed
Fast
Quickly, with great speed; within a short time .
Do it as fast as you can.
Slow
Cause to proceed more slowly;
The illness slowed him down
Fast
Ahead of the correct time or schedule.
I think my watch is running fast.
Slow
Not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time;
A slow walker
The slow lane of traffic
Her steps were slow
He was slow in reacting to the news
Slow but steady growth
Fast
A train that calls at only some stations it passes between its origin and destination, typically just the principal stations
Slow
At a slow tempo;
The band played a slow waltz
Fast
The act or practice of fasting, religious abstinence from food
Slow
Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity;
So dense he never understands anything I say to him
Never met anyone quite so dim
Although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick
Dumb officials make some really dumb decisions
He was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse
Worked with the slow students
Fast
One of the fasting periods in the liturgical year
Slow
(used of timepieces) indicating a time earlier than the correct time;
The clock is slow
Fast
(archery) Short for "stand fast", a warning not to pass between the arrow and the target
Slow
So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness;
A boring evening with uninteresting people
The deadening effect of some routine tasks
A dull play
His competent but dull performance
A ho-hum speaker who couldn't capture their attention
What an irksome task the writing of long letters is
Tedious days on the train
The tiresome chirping of a cricket
Other people's dreams are dreadfully wearisome
Fast
(intransitive) To practice religious abstinence, especially from food.
Slow
(of business) not active or brisk;
Business is dull (or slow)
A sluggish market
Fast
To reduce or limit one's nutrition intake for medical or health reasons, to diet.
Slow
Without speed (`slow' is sometimes used informally for `slowly');
He spoke slowly
Go easy here--the road is slippery
Glaciers move tardily
Please go slow so I can see the sights
Fast
To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole or in part; to go hungry.
Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.
Slow
Of timepieces;
The clock is almost an hour slow
My watch is running behind
Fast
To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of grief, or humiliation and penitence.
Thou didst fast and weep for the child.
Slow
Not quick or fast
Traffic was slow during rush hour.
Fast
Abstinence from food; omission to take nourishment.
Surfeit is the father of much fast.
Slow
Lacking in promptness or willingness
He was slow to react to the changes.
Fast
Voluntary abstinence from food, for a space of time, as a spiritual discipline, or as a token of religious humiliation.
Slow
Operating at reduced speed
The clock is slow and needs adjusting.
Fast
A time of fasting, whether a day, week, or longer time; a period of abstinence from food or certain kinds of food; as, an annual fast.
Slow
Making one's way at less than usual speed
She walked slow due to her injury.
Fast
That which fastens or holds; especially, (Naut.) a mooring rope, hawser, or chain; - called, according to its position, a bow, head, quarter, breast, or stern fast; also, a post on a pier around which hawsers are passed in mooring.
Fast
Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose, unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the door.
There is an order that keeps things fast.
Fast
Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art; impregnable; strong.
Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.
Fast
Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.
Fast
Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.
Fast
Tenacious; retentive.
Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their smells.
Fast
Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.
All this while in a most fast sleep.
Fast
Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast horse.
Fast
Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint; reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a fast liver.
Fast
In such a condition, as to resilience, etc., as to make possible unusual rapidity of play or action; as, a fast racket, or tennis court; a fast track; a fast billiard table, etc.
Fast
In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly; firmly; immovably.
We will bind thee fast.
Fast
In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly; extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.
He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunkInto the wood fast by.
Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides.
Fast
Abstaining from food
Fast
Abstain from certain foods, as for religious or medical reasons;
Catholics sometimes fast during Lent
Fast
Abstain from eating;
Before the medical exam, you must fast
Fast
Acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly;
Fast film
On the fast track in school
Set a fast pace
A fast car
Fast
(used of timepieces) indicating a time ahead of or later than the correct time;
My watch is fast
Fast
At a rapid tempo;
The band played a fast fox trot
Fast
(of surfaces) conducive to rapid speeds;
A fast road
Grass courts are faster than clay
Fast
Firmly fastened or secured against opening;
Windows and doors were all fast
A locked closet
Left the house properly secured
Fast
Resistant to destruction or fading;
Fast colors
Fast
Unrestrained by convention or morality;
Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society
Deplorably dissipated and degraded
Riotous living
Fast women
Fast
Hurried and brief;
Paid a flying visit
Took a flying glance at the book
A quick inspection
A fast visit
Fast
Securely fixed in place;
The post was still firm after being hit by the car
Fast
Unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause;
A firm ally
Loyal supporters
The true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe
Fast friends
Fast
Quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form);
How fast can he get here?
Ran as fast as he could
Needs medical help fast
Fast-running rivers
Fast-breaking news
Fast-opening (or fast-closing) shutters
Fast
Firmly or tightly;
Held fast to the rope
Her foot was stuck fast
Held tight
Fast
Done in quick succession
He answered the questions fast and accurately.
Fast
Firmly fixed in place
Hold fast to the rope.
Fast
Indicating a quick lifestyle
She leads a fast life in the city.
Common Curiosities
What part of speech is "fast"?
"Fast" can be an adjective, adverb, verb, or noun.
Can "fast" describe someone's metabolism?
Yes, "fast" can describe a high metabolic rate.
Can "fast" be used to describe decision-making?
Yes, it can describe quick decision-making.
Does "slow" have the same meaning in music and everyday language?
Yes, in music, "slow" also means a reduced tempo.
What is a synonym for "slow"?
"Leisurely" is one synonym for "slow."
Is "slow" only related to speed?
No, it can also relate to one's ability to understand or respond.
Is "slow" always negative in connotation?
Not necessarily; it can be positive when deliberateness is desired.
Can "fast" ever mean abstaining from food?
Yes, "fast" can mean to not eat for a period.
Is "slow" used to describe internet speeds?
Yes, "slow" often describes low internet speeds.
Can "fast" describe the way someone learns?
Yes, it can describe someone who learns quickly.
Do "fast" and "slow" have opposite meanings?
Yes, they are antonyms.
What is a synonym for "fast"?
"Quick" is a common synonym for "fast."
Can "slow" have a positive meaning in any context?
Yes, for example, "slow cooking" is often seen as a positive method for flavor development.
Can "fast" and "slow" describe a rate of growth?
Yes, they can describe how quickly something grows or progresses.
Can "fast" be used in the context of a friendship?
Yes, as in "fast friends," meaning very close friends.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
