ASAP

Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Email and Office

ASAP
Stands forAs soon as possible
CategoriesWriting & Everyday

ASAP stands for As soon as possible, an email and office abbreviation.

Requests that something be done with priority, at the earliest opportunity. It appears in emails, work orders, text messages and speech, where it is pronounced either letter by letter or as the word "AY-sap."

Example: Please send the signed contract back ASAP so we can lock in the venue before Friday.

Usage notes

Etiquette guides note that ASAP is vague and can feel demanding; stating a real deadline, such as "by 3 p.m. Tuesday," is clearer and avoids disputes over priorities. Dictionaries accept both pronunciations. It is normally written in capitals, though lowercase "asap" is common in chat. Saying "as soon as possible ASAP" or "ASAP as possible" is redundant.

More email and office abbreviations

  • 1:1 – One-on-one (meeting)
  • ACK – Acknowledged
  • AOB – Any other business
  • BCC – Blind carbon copy
  • BLUF – Bottom line up front
  • BR – Best regards
  • CC – Carbon copy
  • COB – Close of business
  • COP – Close of play
  • DL – Distribution list
  • Encl. – Enclosure
  • EOB – End of business

See all 60 email and office abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.