noun Uncommon

cutoff

kuh-TOF

Cutoff (noun) means the point at which something ends or is limited; a deadline or threshold. Example: “The cutoff for applications is midnight on Friday.”

noun

The point at which something ends or is limited; a deadline or threshold.

"The cutoff for applications is midnight on Friday."

"Scores below the cutoff won't be considered for the scholarship."

A shorter route or shortcut that bypasses the usual path.

"We took a cutoff through the woods to save twenty minutes."

Shorts made by cutting the legs off a pair of trousers.

"He wore a pair of denim cutoffs all summer."

adj

Marking a limit or ending point.

"The cutoff date for entries has already passed."

How to use cutoff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA limit, deadline, or shortcut — the exact point where something stops or is bypassed.

Common mistake

Written as one word ("cutoff") when used as a noun or adjective; "cut off" (two words) is the verb phrase, as in "they cut off the power."

Common pairings

cutoff date cutoff point cutoff time denim cutoffs

Word forms

cutoffs plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ for applications is midnight on Friday.

Etymology

A compound of cut and off, describing something that has been cut short or that marks a stopping point.

Synonyms

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deadline threshold limit shortcut bypass

Related words

door capacity limit determine maximum eve expand skip

Frequently asked questions

What does “cutoff” mean?

The word “cutoff” means the point at which something ends or is limited; a deadline or threshold. In plain terms, a limit, deadline, or shortcut — the exact point where something stops or is bypassed.

How do you pronounce “cutoff”?

“Cutoff” is pronounced kuh-TOF (/kəˈtɔf/ in IPA).

How do you use “cutoff” in a sentence?

Here is “cutoff” used in a sentence: “The cutoff for applications is midnight on Friday.”

What part of speech is “cutoff”?

Depending on how it is used, “cutoff” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “cutoff” a common word?

“Cutoff” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “cutoff” have?

“Cutoff” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the point at which something ends or is limited; a deadline or threshold.

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