low-cut

IPA/ˌləʊ ˈkʌt/
IPA/ˌləʊ ˈkʌt/

low-cut — adjective

1. describing an item of clothing whose neckline is cut low at the front, leaving t

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing an item of clothing whose neckline is cut low at the front, leaving the collarbone and upper chest visible.

Example

Élise chose a low-cut black dress for her sister's wedding, drawing admiring glances all evening.

collocation: low-cut + dress; context shows effect of low neckline

The evening gown had a low-cut neckline that showed off Sora's necklace.

collocation: low-cut neckline

Common collocations
  • low-cut dress
  • low-cut top
  • low-cut blouse
  • low-cut neckline
  • low-cut gown
  • low-cut design
Synonyms
  • revealing

    Broader term that can describe any amount of exposed skin, not only the neck and chest area; often carries a stronger connotation of being daring or immodest.

  • plunging

    Specifically describes a deep V-shaped neckline that extends far down the chest, whereas 'low-cut' covers any shape of low neckline.

  • décolleté

    A French loanword used in formal fashion contexts; refers to both the low neckline itself and the area of skin it reveals.

Antonyms
  • high-neck

    Describes clothing that covers the neck fully, the opposite of a low-cut style.

Grammar Patterns

low-cut + noun

be + low-cut

Usage Note

Used almost exclusively for women's clothing. Can appear before a noun (an attributive adjective, e.g., 'a low-cut blouse') or after a linking verb (a predicative adjective, e.g., 'the dress is too low-cut').

Common Mistakes

She wore a low neck dress to the party.
She wore a low-cut dress to the party.
The standard compound adjective is 'low-cut', not 'low neck'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe clothing that exposes skin, but they differ in scope and register. 'Low-cut' is the most neutral and widely used term; it refers to any neckline that sits low on the chest, regardless of shape. 'Plunging' is more specific — it always suggests a deep, V-shaped opening that extends far toward the waist, creating a dramatic effect. 'Revealing' has the broadest scope: it can describe any garment that shows a lot of skin (short hemlines, open backs, sheer fabric), not just a low neckline, and it often carries a judgmental or cautious tone. 'Décolleté' is a French borrowing used mainly in fashion writing and formal descriptions; it can refer to both the low neckline itself and the area of skin it reveals. In everyday conversation, 'low-cut' is the safest choice. For example: 'She chose a low-cut blouse for the date' is neutral, but 'She wore a plunging neckline to the awards ceremony' emphasizes a dramatic V-shape, while 'Her dress was too revealing for the office' conveys disapproval.

low-cutplungingrevealingdécolleté

Common collocations

Nouns

  • dress
  • top
  • blouse
  • neckline
  • gown
  • shirt

Adverbs

  • very low-cut
  • too low-cut
  • quite low-cut
  • extremely low-cut

Etymology

Old NorseOld EnglishEnglish

Formed by combining the adjective 'low' (from Old Norse 'lágr', meaning not tall or elevated) with the past participle 'cut' (from Old English 'cyttan', meaning to divide or sever with a sharp tool). The compound 'low-cut' first appeared in the early 19th century as a fashion term to describe garments whose necklines were cut or styled to sit low on the chest. It follows the same pattern as other compound fashion adjectives such as 'high-waisted' and 'tight-fitting'.