cutthroat

1 of 2

noun

cut·​throat ˈkət-ˌthrōt How to pronounce cutthroat (audio)
Synonyms of cutthroatnext
1
2
: a cruel unprincipled person

cutthroat

2 of 2

adjective

1
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The state support that helped China become the global leader in affordable EVs has also created a cutthroat landscape for its homegrown carmakers, many of which are now struggling to survive in an oversupplied market. Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 25 Mar. 2026 Two years with very little production from a second round pick is usually a death sentence in this cutthroat league. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Their annual festive holiday gift exchange spirals into a cutthroat game of Christmas carnage. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 The girls Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game at Worcester Ice Center followed suit with how a cutthroat MIAA girls hockey season unfolded, playing to a 3-2 shootout win with the North All-Stars edging out the South All-Stars on Sunday. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutthroat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutthroat was in 1535

Cite this Entry

“Cutthroat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutthroat. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

cutthroat

1 of 2 noun
cut·​throat ˈkət-ˌthrōt How to pronounce cutthroat (audio)
1
: a person likely to cut someone's throat
2
: a cruel person with no scruples

cutthroat

2 of 2 adjective
: ruthless
cutthroat competition

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