cutting-edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cutting-edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to technology, services, or ideas that are the most advanced and up-to-date. For example: This company offers cutting-edge products and services to make life easier.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Cutting-edge music required cutting-edge visuals.

The Guardian - Music

Its operations are cutting-edge.

The New York Times

Cutting-edge food, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

Cutting-edge technology it wasn't.

The Economist

Sadly, these reworkings are scarcely cutting-edge.

Independent

But certain services are cutting-edge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But cutting edge?

The New York Times - Arts

It's cutting edge".

The New York Times

Hardly cutting edge.

Independent

"It really is cutting edge.

The New York Times

Not exactly cutting edge.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cutting-edge" to describe innovations that represent a significant advancement, not just minor improvements. It emphasizes a leading position in a field.

Common error

Avoid using "cutting-edge" as a generic marketing term for ordinary products. It should be reserved for truly innovative items to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cutting-edge" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as highly advanced or innovative. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something that is the most advanced and up-to-date.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science & Research

26%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cutting-edge" functions as an adjective to denote the most advanced or innovative state of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, it's essential to reserve its use for genuinely innovative subjects to maintain credibility and avoid overuse, especially in marketing contexts. Alternatives like ""state of the art"" or ""leading edge"" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. The consistent use of "cutting-edge" in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state-of-the-art

Focuses on the current level of technological advancement.

leading-edge

Emphasizes being at the forefront of development.

innovative

Highlights the novelty and creativity of something.

groundbreaking

Stresses the revolutionary nature of an advancement.

advanced

Simply indicates a high level of sophistication.

pioneering

Implies being the first to develop or use something.

avant-garde

Relates to experimental or unconventional ideas.

high-tech

Specifically refers to advanced technology.

next-generation

Suggests the latest version or iteration.

trendsetting

Highlights the ability to influence future developments.

FAQs

How can I use "cutting-edge" in a sentence?

You can use "cutting-edge" to describe technologies, research, designs, or ideas that are the most advanced or innovative. For example, "This company is developing "cutting edge technology" to improve healthcare."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cutting-edge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "state of the art", "leading edge", or "innovative".

Is it appropriate to use "cutting-edge" in formal writing?

Yes, "cutting-edge" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts involving technology, science, and business, where innovation and advancement are discussed.

What's the difference between "cutting-edge" and "state-of-the-art"?

"Cutting-edge" implies being at the very forefront of development, potentially still experimental. "State of the art" usually refers to the highest level of development generally available or accepted.