# cutoff

/ˈkəˌtɔf/ (US) · /kˈʌtɒf/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cutoff
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a fixed limit or point that marks when something must stop or change. You use it to decide who is included or excluded from a group.

For teachers: a designated limit, threshold, or deadline that serves as a point of termination or exclusion. Often used to determine eligibility for a program or to define the boundary of a data set.

## Examples

- The cutoff for applications is this Friday at noon.
- Students who scored below the 85% cutoff were required to attend a mandatory review session before the final exam.
- In clinical trials, researchers must establish a strict age cutoff to ensure the demographic variables remain consistent enough to produce statistically significant results across the entire study population.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a compound noun; frequently paired with 'date', 'point', or 'score'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.