asap

ASAP is an acronym for the phrase “as soon as possible.” It is used to indicate urgency and to request prompt action or response in English. The phrase dates from the mid-20th century and has become widespread in business, government, military, and everyday communication. In many contexts it signals that a task should be completed with minimal delay, though it does not specify an exact deadline.

In formal writing, some style guides prefer spelling out the phrase rather than using the acronym. When used, ASAP is typically written in all caps, though lowercase “asap” is common in informal digital communication. The term can create pressure on recipients and its meaning can vary by context; some settings require clear deadlines instead of a vague “as soon as possible.” In medical settings, “STAT” is generally used for immediate action, whereas “ASAP” denotes urgent-but-not-life-threatening timing.

In popular culture, the acronym has been adopted as a stylized name by the hip-hop collective ASAP Mob and rapper A$AP Rocky, whose name expands to “Always Strive and Prosper.” Related terms include STAT in medicine and broader notions of urgency and deadlines.