lightning-fast vs lightning fast

Both "lightning-fast" and "lightning fast" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Lightning-fast" is a compound adjective used to describe something that is extremely fast, while "lightning fast" can be used as an adverbial phrase to describe the speed of an action.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 796 views

lightning-fast

This is a correct compound adjective used to describe something that is extremely fast.

Use "lightning-fast" when you want to describe something as being extremely fast, like a car or a computer processor.

Examples:

The new sports car is lightning-fast on the racetrack.
The company's response time was lightning-fast.
She typed at a lightning-fast speed.

Show examples from the web [+]

Changes are still lightning-fast as he spears into the first corner.
But his lightning-fast blows make it a little bit difficult.
The moment Faust signs the contract with his own blood, he gets the lightning-fast Mephistopheles and 40 thousand evil ghosts as servants.
And whether I like it or not, I can read and process Data at lightning-Fast speed.
Its transmitting rate of up to 500Mbps makes it possible to enjoy a full range of Ethernet applications, such as lightning-fast internet speed, best HDTV quality, IP Camera real-time monitor, VoIP online or network printer.
We're making all your files available for lightning-fast download.
Spies learn to make lightning-fast observations and connect the dots just as quickly.
Spies learn to make lightning-fast observations and connect the dots just as quickly.
Mr President, Commissioners, I must make one comment: when things are blowing up around the world, it is clear that a small currency and a small market like Sweden's are hit lightning-fast.
She swears that it's her lightning-Fast reflexes that came to her rescue.
They strike with blinding speed... shooting out a pair of lightning fast tentacles.
Your labs will come back to you lightning fast.
(roaring) No, you should say like a flea when referring to lightning fast reflexes.
And it was just lightning fast; the way she was working was almost unbelievable.
His saber is fast like lightning.
Fast as lightning, and twice as deadly.
Sugar Ray leonard- lightning hands, fast on his feet, good balance, never off his form.
I am a courier, fast as lightning... silent as the night itself.
To the Emerald City as fast as lightning!

Alternatives:

super-fast
ultra-fast
blazing fast
lightning-quick
rapid

lightning fast

This is correct when used as an adverbial phrase to describe the speed of an action.

Use "lightning fast" to describe how quickly an action is performed, rather than as an adjective to describe a noun.