adjective
cutting edge
KUT-ing EJ
Cutting edge (adjective) means So new and advanced that nothing else has gone further; at the front of what is currently possible in a field. Usually written with a hyphen before a noun. Example: “The lab uses cutting-edge gene-editing techniques.”
adjective
1
So new and advanced that nothing else has gone further; at the front of what is currently possible in a field. Usually written with a hyphen before a noun.
"The lab uses cutting-edge gene-editing techniques."
"Their graphics were cutting-edge in 2010 and look dated now."
noun
1
The most advanced position in the development of something, where new work is being done first.
"The company sat at the cutting edge of battery research for a decade."
2
The sharpened edge of a blade or tool, the part that does the cutting.
"Keep the cutting edge away from you when you sharpen a chisel."
How to use cutting edge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe newest and most advanced there is.
When to use it
Neutral, though heavily worn down by marketing use.
Easily confused with
bleeding edge
state-of-the-art →
Common pairings
cutting-edge technology
cutting-edge research
at the cutting edge of
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cutting edge.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company sat at the _____ of battery research for a decade.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cutting edge
See all rhymes for cutting edge →Frequently asked questions
Is cutting edge hyphenated?
Hyphenate it when it comes before the noun it describes: cutting-edge technology. Leave the hyphen out when it stands as a noun after the verb: their research is at the cutting edge.
What is the difference between cutting edge and bleeding edge?
Both mean the very newest technology, but bleeding edge adds the idea of risk. Bleeding-edge tools are so new that they are still unstable and early adopters get hurt by the bugs, whereas cutting-edge simply means most advanced.
What is the meaning of cutting edge?
"cutting edge" (adjective) means so new and advanced that nothing else has gone further; at the front of what is currently possible in a field. Usually written with a hyphen before a noun.
What is another word for cutting edge?
Other words for "cutting edge" include state-of-the-art, leading-edge, advanced, pioneering, groundbreaking, forefront.
