Cutthroat

Cutthroat, as an adjective, describes fierce, ruthless, and intensely competitive behavior, often involving a willingness to harm others or bend rules to achieve success or dominance. It suggests a lack of scruples and empathy in the pursuit of goals. The term frequently applies to business environments, politics, and sports, where individuals or groups aggressively compete for limited resources, positions, or recognition. It implies a disregard for ethical considerations and a focus on achieving victory at nearly any cost. This intense competitiveness creates a high-stakes environment where failure can be devastating, and survival often depends on the ability to outmaneuver, outspend, or out-perform rivals, sometimes using aggressive tactics. The term can also describe a person, implying someone who is aggressive, selfish, and devoid of compassion.

Cutthroat meaning with examples

• The cutthroat nature of the fashion industry means designers often resort to sabotage and copying each other's work to stay ahead. New designers often face immense pressure to perform.
• In the cutthroat world of corporate mergers, companies don’t hesitate to acquire competitors, even if it leads to job losses and restructuring of companies. Their primary goal is profit.
• The cutthroat rivalry between the two political candidates resulted in a barrage of personal attacks and accusations. The election campaign was incredibly aggressive.
• Despite her amiable demeanor, her colleagues understood that she was prepared to engage in a cutthroat fight to protect her advancement at any cost. She wanted to move up the chain.