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

While outwardly glamorous, working at a luxury store can be cutthroat.

From The Wall Street Journal

The best teams in NBA history, it’s no surprise, are net rating monsters, combining cutthroat scoring attacks with defenses as solid as Fort Knox.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, authorities said they plan to continue to curb cutthroat competition among businesses that has dented prices and profits, efforts that economists say have weighed on growth and investment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Streams like these were once suitable habitat for native Lahontan cutthroat trout.

From Salon

After four years of waiting tables and making forgettable movies, she decided she’d had enough of Los Angeles and its cutthroat competition.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ferocious
• vicious