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3. at this rate

at this rate

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at this rate

1. At this pace. Drive faster! At this rate, we'll never get there on time! It doesn't have to be perfect. At this rate, we'll frost one cupcake every hour!

2. If this situation persists. All of my friends are getting engaged, and I'm still single. At this rate, I'll be a bridesmaid at least 10 times before I get to be a bride.

See also: rate, this

at this rate

at this speed; if things continue in the same way. (Usually of a pessimistic view.) Hurry up! We'll never get there at this rate. At this rate, all the food will be gone before we get there.

See also: rate, this

at this rate

Also, at that rate.

1. Progressing at this (or that) speed, as in At this rate we'll never finish in time. [Mid-1600s]

2. Under these circumstances, in that case. For example, At this rate they'll never settle their differences. [Late 1700s]

See also: rate, this