cut rate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Commercial, Advertising
Quick answer
What does “cut rate” mean?
Reduced in price.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Reduced in price; offered at a lower-than-normal cost.
Used as an adjective or compound noun to describe goods, services, or commercial offerings that have been discounted. It often implies a reduction from a standard or previously established price to attract buyers or compete in the market.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. 'Cut-price' is a common, fully synonymous alternative in British English, sometimes preferred. The hyphenated forms 'cut-rate' (adjective) and 'cut rate' (noun) are standard in American English.
Connotations
Similar in both, though the potential connotation of inferior quality may be slightly stronger in British usage.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, especially in advertising. British English shows a higher relative frequency of 'cut-price'.
Grammar
How to Use “cut rate” in a Sentence
ADJ + N (cut-rate goods)V + cut rate + on + N (get a cut rate on)N + at + a + cut rate (sold at a cut rate)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cut rate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bank may cut rates if inflation falls.
- Supermarkets are cutting rates on staple goods to draw customers.
American English
- The Fed is expected to cut rates next quarter.
- The store cut rates on all winter clothing.
adverb
British English
- These items are selling cut-price.
- They were offering the service cut-rate for a limited time.
American English
- The tickets were sold cut-rate at the last minute.
- He bought the car cut-rate from a friend.
adjective
British English
- I found a cut-price flight to Malaga.
- He bought a cut-rate suit for the interview.
American English
- We stayed at a cut-rate motel off the highway.
- Be wary of cut-rate insurance policies with poor coverage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing, retail, and finance to describe promotional pricing or competitive loan/mortgage rates.
Academic
Rare, except perhaps in economic or business studies discussing pricing strategies.
Everyday
Common when discussing shopping, travel deals, or bargains.
Technical
Not typically a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cut rate”
- Using 'cut rate' as a verb (e.g., 'They cut rated the tickets' is incorrect). The verb is 'to cut rates' (plural). Confusing 'cut-rate' (adj) with 'cutthroat' (intensely competitive).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on its function. As a noun, it's typically two words ('a cut rate'). As an adjective before a noun, it is usually hyphenated ('a cut-rate ticket').
No, not always. It primarily means low price. While it can imply lower quality, especially in contexts like 'cut-rate merchandise,' it can also simply describe a genuine discount on a standard product (e.g., 'cut-rate fare on a reputable airline').
'Cheap' is a general term for low cost. 'Cut-rate' specifically indicates that the price has been actively reduced from a higher, standard level. A product might be inherently cheap, but only becomes 'cut-rate' if its price is explicitly lowered.
No, 'cut rate' itself is not a verb phrase. The verb is 'to cut' with 'rates' (usually plural) as its object, as in 'The bank cut interest rates.' 'Cut-rate' is an adjective derived from this action.
Reduced in price.
Cut rate is usually informal, commercial, advertising in register.
Cut rate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkʌt ˈreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkʌt ˈreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related to the broader metaphor of 'cutting' prices/costs.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shopkeeper using scissors (to CUT) the price tag (the RATE) in half.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMERCIAL VALUE IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE SLICED (CUT).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cut-rate' LEAST likely to be used?