cutthroat

1 of 2

noun

cut·​throat ˈkət-ˌthrōt How to pronounce cutthroat (audio)
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
Three of those—disrespect, cutthroat norms and abuse—are direct byproducts of low-tact leadership. Justin Patton, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 At this prestigious institution, underground gambling determines social hierarchy, creating a cutthroat environment where students’ betting skills can make or break their standing. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 June 2025
Adjective
Changing ‘so fast’ In China, though, the field is crowded and cutthroat, with competition sparking a fierce, yearslong price war. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 For Miller, who has garnered rave reviews for her portrayal of the cutthroat drug lord, the emotional impact of that final scene will stick with her for a long time. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cutthroat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1565, 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 1 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cutthroat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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