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

But while others are distracted by his cutthroat gameplay, Mariano looks for his competitive edge. —Nic Juarez, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025

Zoom in: This drama is calling attention to Hollywood PR's cutthroat nature and murky practices. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Another factor in the cutthroat Nantucket rental market is the community divide over short-term leases—which broadly boils down to the tension between overcrowding and traffic and being a hospitality town that depends on tourism. —Hannah Seligson, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

The Major League Baseball Players’ Association petitioned a New York trial court last week to confirm an arbitration award against Rimas Sports executives in a move that draws attention to the competitive, if not cutthroat, world of player agents. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 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