fastness
noun
fast·ness
ˈfas(t)-nəs 
1
: the quality or state of being fast: such as
a
: the quality or state of being fixed
b
: the quality or state of being swift
c
: colorfast quality
d
: resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
2
a
: a fortified or secure place
b
: a remote and secluded place
vacationed in their mountain fastness
Synonyms
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot, who has retired to a Venetian fastness.
—
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2023
When using natural dyes, there tend to be issues with color fastness and shade consistency.
—Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023
Unlike the Brahui the Burusho are very isolated in the mountainous fastness of Baltistan in northern Pakistan.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2010
Even though the Speedo Fastskin FSII material didn't show any signs of inherent fastness (and seemed to actually increase drag, compared to when it was turned smooth-side-out), that doesn't discount the Speedo swimsuit as a whole.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2012
Test for color fastness before stitching onto bedding and washing.
—Sonja Carmon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2021
Given their advance into Labour’s working-class fastness, the Tories’ worst nightmare is not a Labour Party that returns to the old centre as defined by Tony Blair.
—The Economist, 13 Dec. 2019
The other tragedy occurred far from the public eye, in one of the last remote fastnesses of the world.
—Ipsita Chakravarty, Quartz India, 10 June 2019
Indeed, Lego can't reach its 2030 goal without solving ABS, a material that affords the company the attributes it so prizes: Durability, color fastness, strength, and clutch power, or how well two joined bricks stay together.
—Brian Barrett, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2018
See More
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2023
When using natural dyes, there tend to be issues with color fastness and shade consistency.
—Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023
Unlike the Brahui the Burusho are very isolated in the mountainous fastness of Baltistan in northern Pakistan.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2010
Even though the Speedo Fastskin FSII material didn't show any signs of inherent fastness (and seemed to actually increase drag, compared to when it was turned smooth-side-out), that doesn't discount the Speedo swimsuit as a whole.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2012
Test for color fastness before stitching onto bedding and washing.
—Sonja Carmon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2021
Given their advance into Labour’s working-class fastness, the Tories’ worst nightmare is not a Labour Party that returns to the old centre as defined by Tony Blair.
—The Economist, 13 Dec. 2019
The other tragedy occurred far from the public eye, in one of the last remote fastnesses of the world.
—Ipsita Chakravarty, Quartz India, 10 June 2019
Indeed, Lego can't reach its 2030 goal without solving ABS, a material that affords the company the attributes it so prizes: Durability, color fastness, strength, and clutch power, or how well two joined bricks stay together.
—Brian Barrett, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fastness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of fastness was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near fastness
Cite this Entry
“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fastness. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
fastness
noun
fast·ness
ˈfas(t)-nəs
1
: the quality or state of being fast
2
: a fortified or secure place
Medical Definition
fastness
noun
fast·ness
ˈfas(t)-nəs
: resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
streptomycin fastness developed by a strain of tubercule bacillus
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