going/getting nowhere fast

1 of 2

phrase (1)

informal
: failing to make progress or to produce a desired result
The plan for a new stadium is going nowhere fast.

go nowhere

2 of 2

phrase (2)

: to make no progress
The research is going nowhere.
We're going nowhere fast.

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Cite this Entry

“Going/getting nowhere fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/going%2Fgetting%20nowhere%20fast. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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