Word
cutthroat
Phoneticscut·throat, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkətˌθɹoʊt/
UK/kˈʌtθɹəʊt/
Definition
adj. describing a situation where people are very competitive and willing to do anything to win, even if it hurts others. It often feels like a 'cutthroat' environment where you have to be the best to survive.
adj. characterised by extreme competition and a willingness to use ruthless or dishonest tactics to achieve success. Often used to describe professional environments or markets where survival depends on outperforming others.
Examples
“The tech industry is a cutthroat place to work.”
“In a cutthroat market, companies often lower their prices to the point where they barely make a profit.”
“The cutthroat nature of the publishing world means that even established authors must constantly produce high-quality work to maintain their visibility and sales.”
Examples
simple
“The tech industry is a cutthroat place to work.”
contextual
“In a cutthroat market, companies often lower their prices to the point where they barely make a profit.”
complex
“The cutthroat nature of the publishing world means that even established authors must constantly produce high-quality work to maintain their visibility and sales.”
Real-World Examples
“A third novel, published in 1984, First Among Equals, about a cutthroat competition to become Prime Minister, cemented Archer's position as one of Britain's best-selling and highest earning authors.” “Against this backdrop, the rat race becomes more cutthroat.” Etymology
From cut + throat.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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