cutthroat

American  

[kuht-throht] / ˈkʌtˌθroʊt /

noun

1. a person who cuts the throat of another; a murderer.

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adjective

1. murderous.

2. ruthless.

   cutthroat competition.

3. pertaining to a game, as of cards, in which each of three or more persons acts and scores as an individual.

Etymology

Origin of cutthroat

First recorded in 1525–35; cut + throat

Example Sentences

German carmaker BMW reported a three percent fall in annual profit on Thursday, despite US tariffs and cutthroat competition in China, far smaller than the double-digit plunges seen at rivals.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Many other famous people have done that, even in Banks’ famously cutthroat industry.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

But making it to the top, like they have, is tough in what has become a cutthroat K-pop industry.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

In comments that reiterated earlier directives from Beijing, officials at the press briefing also pledged to further curb cutthroat business competition and rein in excess capacity this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

The mirror still hung there from his time, and beside it a long leather strop for sharpening the edge on his cutthroat razor.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• ferocious
• vicious