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

Even before the pandemic, research in 2018 found that companies led by vicarious leaders outperformed competitors, underscoring that empathy is not just a soft skill but also a strategic advantage in today’s cutthroat environment. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 June 2024

The Sandersons allege that participants in the show were subjected to insults from Jessalyn and JoJo, grueling rehearsal schedules, and a cutthroat environment that pitted the young contestants against each other, among other claims. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024

Adjective

Sales to China made up about one-third of all German car sales last year, but once-dominant German carmakers are increasingly facing pressure from cutthroat Chinese car companies. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 24 June 2024

Read More: Your Guide to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: When and How to Watch and What to Expect The process for qualifying for the U.S. Olympic track-and-field team, however, couldn’t be more cutthroat. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 20 June 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