Meaning & Definition of word "Cutthroat"

Cutthroat

/ˈkʌtˌθroʊt/

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.

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.

From 'cut' and 'throat', originally referring to the act of cutting someone's throat, used figuratively since the late 19th century.

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.

ruthless:

Having or showing no pity or compassion for others.

savage:

Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled.

merciless:

Showing no mercy or pity.

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.