cutthroat

1 of 2

noun

cut·​throat ˈkət-ˌthrōt 

1

: killer, murderer

2

: a cruel unprincipled person

cutthroat

2 of 2

adjective

1

: murderous, cruel

2

: marked by unprincipled practices : ruthless

cutthroat competition

3

: characterized by each player playing independently rather than having a permanent partner

—used especially of partnership games adapted for three players

cutthroat bridge

Synonyms

Noun

• assassin
• homicide
• killer
• manslayer
• murderer

Adjective

• immoral
• Machiavellian
• unconscionable
• unethical
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous

Examples of cutthroat in a Sentence

Noun

while traveling the ancient Silk Road, traders were constant prey to cutthroats and thieves

Adjective

cutthroat business practices intended to drive competitors out of business

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Longoria’s refusal to accept defeat has been a strength in navigating a cutthroat industry resistant to change. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024

And as any former Survivor player will admit, the only thing more cutthroat than a blindside at a tribal council is the lengthy process of becoming a contestant on the CBS reality show. —Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024

Adjective

Many are treacherous and cutthroat, while others simply let their subjects sit back and get to know one another naturally (to the extent that’s possible with cameras involved). —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 17 May 2024

This is a perfect opportunity, especially for new players to get the feel for not just online poker but the cutthroat world of online tournament play — which is where the real action always has been. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cutthroat

• cutthroat contract
• cutthroat trout

Kids Definition

cutthroat

1 of 2 noun

cut·​throat ˈkət-ˌthrōt 

1

: a person likely to cut someone's throat

2

: a cruel person with no scruples

cutthroat

2 of 2 adjective

: ruthless

cutthroat competition