fast-track

/ˈfæst ˈtræk/

Other forms: fast-tracked; fast-tracking; fast-tracks

To fast-track something is to make it happen faster by bypassing standard delays. If a bakery has a big, last-minute order for cupcakes, they might fast-track production by bumping it to the front of the line.

Synonyms for the verb fast-track include expedite and accelerate. The term originated in the railroad industry, referring to express lanes for high-speed trains. Today, it's used in business, legal, and career contexts. If a company decides to fast-track a new product, it will allocate extra resources and skip nonessential steps to beat competitors. The word is used as an adjective, too, often for employees on an accelerated career path: "Those fast-track executives keep getting promoted without much experience on the job!"

Definitions of fast-track

1. verb

   speed up a process so it is finished sooner
2. adjective

   relating to a route or process that is quicker than normal