cutthroat competition

USAGE SUMMARY

"cutthroat competition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where competition is very intense and ruthless. For example, "The cutthroat competition in the industry has prevented many young entrepreneurs from succeeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've been heartbroken by the cutthroat competition".

The New York Times

Truckers engaged in what was referred to as "cutthroat" competition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's not a cutthroat competition, but about getting together, the camaraderie".

The New York Times

"When I came down to London I found a cutthroat competition among schools.

The New York Times

As a dancer advances through school, the cutthroat competition can be devastating for adolescents.

The New York Times

It should be a wild day, driven by avant-garde beats and cutthroat competition.

The New York Times

There was little evidence of the kind of cutthroat competition often associated with area high schools.

The New York Times

For the rebel fighters, winning money from donors has been a cutthroat competition.

The New Yorker

Although the duet resembled an athletic event, it did not appear to depict cutthroat competition.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet in both politics and business, the language of cutthroat competition can take over.

Harvard Business Review

Yet its dancers are good sports who never engage in cutthroat competition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing market dynamics, use "cutthroat competition" to vividly convey the intensity and potential risks involved for businesses and individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "cutthroat competition" to describe friendly rivalries or situations where collaboration is also present. The phrase implies a severe lack of cooperation and a high degree of risk for all participants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cutthroat competition" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particularly intense and ruthless form of competition. It often serves as a subject or object within a sentence, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cutthroat competition" effectively conveys a sense of extreme rivalry and ruthless tactics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in news, business, and academic writing. While widely used, it's important to understand its implications and choose it when you want to emphasize the intensity and potential risks of a competitive environment. Remember to avoid using it in situations where cooperation or friendly rivalry are also present. As an alternative, phrases like "fierce rivalry" or "intense competition" may be suitable depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruthless competition

Emphasizes the merciless nature of the competition.

vicious competition

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the competitive environment.

fierce rivalry

Replaces "competition" with "rivalry", suggesting a more personal and intense struggle.

intense competition

Substitutes "cutthroat" with "intense", focusing on the degree of competition rather than its ruthlessness.

predatory competition

Implies that some competitors are actively seeking to harm or eliminate others.

aggressive competition

Focuses on the forceful and assertive nature of the competition.

hyper-competitive environment

Highlights the excessively competitive nature of the setting.

dog-eat-dog world

Uses an idiom to describe a situation where everyone is out for themselves.

survival of the fittest

Emphasizes the idea that only the strongest or most adaptable will succeed.

zero-sum game

Suggests a situation where one person's gain is necessarily another's loss.

FAQs

How can I use "cutthroat competition" in a sentence?

You can use "cutthroat competition" to describe industries or situations where companies or individuals are aggressively trying to outperform each other, often at any cost. For example, "The tech industry is known for its "cutthroat competition"."

What are some alternatives to "cutthroat competition"?

Alternatives include "fierce rivalry", "intense competition", or "ruthless competition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cutthroat competition" a formal or informal phrase?

While widely understood, "cutthroat competition" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. It is acceptable in many contexts but consider more formal alternatives like "intense competition" for academic or highly professional settings.

What are the implications of "cutthroat competition" in a business context?

In business, "cutthroat competition" often implies low profit margins, high risk, and aggressive strategies. Companies may need to innovate or consolidate to survive. It can also lead to unethical behaviors.