What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cutthroat
Example
The cutthroat world of professional sports can be challenging for athletes. [cutthroat: adjective]
Example
The company engaged in cutthroat tactics to eliminate its competition. [cutthroat: noun]
ruthless
Example
The ruthless dictator showed no mercy towards his enemies. [ruthless: adjective]
Example
The corporation's ruthless pursuit of profits led to unethical practices. [ruthless: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruthless is more commonly used than cutthroat in everyday language. Ruthless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cutthroat is less common and refers specifically to highly competitive and aggressive situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cutthroat and ruthless?
Both cutthroat and ruthless are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation. However, ruthless can also be used in more formal contexts, such as business or politics, to describe a lack of compassion or ethics.
