cutting edge

Meaning

'Cutting edge' refers to the most advanced, innovative, or pioneering stage of development in a particular field, especially in technology, science, or design. It can be used as a noun or an adjective (usually hyphenated as 'cutting-edge' when preceding a noun). The tone is highly positive and professional, ideal for marketing, product pitches, and corporate strategy.

Examples

• Our R&D department is working on cutting-edge solutions for renewable energy storage.

  Our R&D department is working on cutting-edge solutions for renewable energy storage.

• To stay at the cutting edge of the industry, we need to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.

  To stay at the cutting edge of the industry, we need to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.

• The company's new software is truly on the cutting edge of cybersecurity technology.

  The company's new software is truly on the cutting edge of cybersecurity technology.

• They designed a cutting-edge workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity.

  They designed a cutting-edge workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity.

• As a startup, we pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge analytics to our clients.

  As a startup, we pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge analytics to our clients.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Our company has a cutting edge technology.

  ✓ Our company has cutting-edge technology.

  'Technology' is uncountable in this context, so you should not use the indefinite article 'a' directly before 'cutting-edge technology'.

• ✗ We want to be on the cut edge of medical research.

  ✓ We want to be on the cutting edge of medical research.

  The correct participial adjective is 'cutting' (present participle), not 'cut' (past participle).

Related Expressions

Practice

• To beat our competitors, we must remain at the ___ of technological innovation.

  💡 The most advanced position or state of development.

  Show answer

  cutting edge

• They are developing ___ medical devices that could revolutionize surgery.

  💡 Highly advanced or innovative.

  Show answer

  cutting edge