English Reference

Word

rattling

Phoneticsrat·tling

US/ˈɹætəɫɪŋ/

UK/ɹˈætlɪŋ/

Definition

adj. very fast or impressive. You use it to describe something moving or happening at a high speed.

adj. moving or proceeding with great speed or vigor. Often used in the phrase 'a rattling pace' to describe rapid progress.

Examples

“The train moved at a rattling pace through the countryside.”

“The author tells a rattling good story that keeps the reader interested from the first page.”

“Despite the early setbacks, the construction crew worked at a rattling speed to ensure the bridge was completed before the winter storms arrived.”

Examples

simple

“The train moved at a rattling pace through the countryside.”

contextual

“The author tells a rattling good story that keeps the reader interested from the first page.”

complex

“Despite the early setbacks, the construction crew worked at a rattling speed to ensure the bridge was completed before the winter storms arrived.”

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; often paired with 'good' or 'pace'.

Real-World Examples

“That icy wind rattling the rafters is the cold reality of what follows the closure of the transfer window, a hungover pall of regret.”
The Guardian · 4 Sept 2026
“Until that point, the Iberian country had looked immune to the brand of rightwing populism that was rattling most countries in Europe.”
The Guardian · 27 Aug 2026

Word family

rattleVerbrattlingAdjective

Domain

Nautical

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/rattling

English Reference