Meaning & Definition of word "Cutthroat"
Cutthroat
/ˈkʌtˌθroʊt/
noun:
- 1. A person who engages in ruthless competition or is vindictive in pursuit of their interests.
- Example: In the business world, some executives are known to be cutthroats, willing to sabotage others to get ahead.
- 2. A difficult and competitive environment, especially in a market or industry.
- Example: The fashion industry is notoriously cutthroat, with designers vying for the same clientele.
adjective:
- 1. Marked by ruthless or competitive behavior.
- Example: They entered the cutthroat market of tech startups, where only the strongest survive.
- 2. Giving rise to or involving intense competition.
- Example: The cutthroat pricing strategies of the companies made it hard for smaller businesses to compete.
Etymology
●From 'cut' and 'throat', originally referring to the act of cutting someone's throat, used figuratively since the late 19th century.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cutthroat competition:
Competition that is extremely fierce and ruthless.
cutthroat tactics:
Strategies that are aggressive and lacking in moral considerations.
cutthroat world:
A world characterized by intense rivalry and lack of compassion.
Related Words
ruthless:
Having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
savage:
Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled.
merciless:
Showing no mercy or pity.
Slang Meanings of cutthroat
Meaning: Backstabber
● Example Sentence: You have to watch out for him; he's a real backstabber in this cutthroat office.
Meaning: Shark
● Example Sentence: In the cutthroat world of finance, you’ll run into sharks at every turn.