# accelerated

/ækˈsɛɫɝˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɐksˈɛləɹˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accelerated
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. faster than usual

adjective · CEFR B2

happening or moving at a faster speed than normal.

For teachers: characterised by an increase in speed or the rate of occurrence.

- The car's accelerated speed made it difficult for the driver to stay in his lane.
- The accelerated melting of the polar ice caps has become a primary concern for climatologists studying rising sea levels.

### 2. sooner than expected

adjective · CEFR B2

happening earlier than the original plan or schedule.

For teachers: occurring or progressing at a rate that brings a conclusion or milestone earlier than anticipated.

- She is on an accelerated degree course that finishes in just two years.
- The company followed an accelerated timeline for the product launch to beat their competitors to the market.

## Examples

- The driver accelerated to pass the slow truck.
- The government introduced new tax breaks to help the company accelerated its expansion into international markets.
- Technological breakthroughs in the late twentieth century significantly accelerated the pace of global communication, effectively shrinking the perceived distance between disparate cultures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
