Cutthroat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cutthroat
[ˈkʌtˌθroʊt ]
Definitions
business environment
Used to describe a competitive and ruthless environment where people are willing to do anything to succeed, even if it means harming others.
Synonyms
aggressive, merciless, ruthless.
Examples of usage
- The cutthroat world of finance rewards those who are willing to take risks at the expense of others.
- In the cutthroat industry of technology, companies are constantly trying to outdo each other to gain market share.
personality trait
A person who is ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, often at the expense of others.
Synonyms
aggressive competitor, merciless person, ruthless individual.
Examples of usage
- He was known as a cutthroat in the world of politics, always willing to backstab his colleagues to get ahead.
- The business leader's cutthroat tactics alienated many of his employees.
Translations
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Origin of 'cutthroat'
The term 'cutthroat' originated in the mid-19th century and was originally used to describe a ruthless or violent person. The word 'cutthroat' comes from the combination of 'cut' and 'throat', implying a violent action. Over time, the term evolved to also describe competitive environments where individuals are willing to harm others to achieve their goals.
See also: cut, cutaway, cutback, cute, cuticle, cutie, cutlass, cutlery, cutlet, cutoff, cutout, cutter, cutters, cutting, cuttings, intercut, offcuts, undercut.