cutting-edge
cutting-edge — adjective
1. describing technology, ideas, or methods that are newer and more advanced than a
describing technology, ideas, or methods that are newer and more advanced than anything else available, often the result of recent research or invention
Ravindra's lab uses cutting-edge microscopes to study tiny brain cells.
cutting-edge + noun (research equipment)
The hospital opened a new ward with cutting-edge equipment for heart surgery.
cutting-edge + plural noun (institutional context)
Élise designs cutting-edge running shoes that adjust their shape while you run.
Many small studios in Seoul produce cutting-edge animation that wins awards every year.
Darius left the bank to join a cutting-edge company that builds delivery drones.
- state-of-the-art
near-synonym; emphasises being the best currently available.
- advanced
broader and more neutral; lacks the suggestion of being right at the frontier.
- innovative
stresses fresh thinking; can describe a person or idea, not only products.
- outdated
describes technology or ideas that have been replaced by newer ones.
文法句型
cutting-edge + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun, not after 'be'. Common collocations: cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge research, cutting-edge design.
常見錯誤
cutting-edge — noun
1. the newest, leading point reached by an activity, science, or industry, where fr
the newest, leading point reached by an activity, science, or industry, where fresh ideas are being tried before anyone else has tried them
Yuki's small team works at the cutting edge of cancer research in Kyoto.
at the cutting edge of + field
The studio has stayed at the cutting edge of video-game design for over twenty years.
stay at the cutting edge of + creative field
Universities in Taipei are now pushing the cutting edge of solar-panel technology.
Amira's startup put her right at the cutting edge of clean-water engineering.
- backwater
informal; suggests being far behind the leaders.
文法句型
the cutting edge of [field]
at the cutting edge of [field]
用法筆記
Almost always written without the hyphen as 'cutting edge' when used as a noun, and usually preceded by 'the'. Subject is usually a person, team, company, or country.
常見錯誤
2. a sharp, slightly harsh quality in someone's voice, writing, or comments that ma
a sharp, slightly harsh quality in someone's voice, writing, or comments that makes them feel pointed or critical
There was a cutting edge to Christopher's reply that made his sister look away.
cutting edge to + person's words
Leo's essays have a cutting edge that wakes readers up on the first page.
have a cutting edge (writing)
Eitan's humour kept its cutting edge even when he joked about his own mistakes.
The judge spoke calmly, but a cutting edge crept into her questions about the bank.
文法句型
a cutting edge to [something]
have a cutting edge
用法筆記
Sense 2 is metaphorical and less frequent than sense 1. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 always refers to the front of a field or industry; sense 2 refers to a tone or style that feels sharp like a blade.