Is 'hit list' always about killing?

No. While its original and most serious meaning involves assassination, it is commonly used metaphorically in business, politics, and everyday talk to mean a list of targets for any aggressive action, like layoffs or criticism.

What's the difference between a 'hit list' and a 'bucket list'?

A 'hit list' is for eliminating targets, a 'bucket list' is for achieving personal goals before you 'kick the bucket' (die). They are opposites in intention.

Can 'hit list' be used as a verb?

Yes, informally. 'To hit-list someone/something' means to put them on such a list, e.g., 'The department was hit-listed for budget cuts.'

Is the term considered informal?

Yes, it originates from criminal slang. While now standard in news reporting, it retains an informal edge. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'list of targets' or 'rostered for elimination' might be preferred.

How do you pronounce “hit list”?

Hit list: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

hit list: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/US/ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/

Informal to Neutral; common in news media, business, and colloquial speech.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “hit list” mean?

A list of people or things targeted for attack, elimination, or criticism.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A list of people or things targeted for attack, elimination, or criticism.

Any list enumerating targets for a specific action, whether literal (e.g., assassination, corporate downsizing) or figurative (e.g., tasks to complete, places to visit, things to buy).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use the term similarly in crime, business, and media contexts.

Connotations

Equally strong association with crime/violence in both varieties. The metaphorical business/extended use is equally common.

Frequency

Comparably frequent in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “hit list” in a Sentence

[Subject] has/draws up/compiles a hit list of [targets].[Target] appears/is on [Possessive] hit list.The hit list includes [targets].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

to have a hit listto be on a hit listto draw up a hit listto compile a hit lista terrorist hit listan assassination hit list

medium

a corporate hit lista political hit lista government hit listtargets on a hit listto top the hit list

weak

a long hit lista secret hit lista deadly hit listto check the hit list

Examples

Examples of “hit list” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The editor decided to hit-list the redundant departments.
He's been hit-listed by the rival gang.

American English

The CEO hit-listed three regional offices for review.
The activist was reportedly hit-listed by the extremist group.

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

The document revealed hit-list targets.
A hit-list mentality prevailed in the organisation.

American English

She found her name in a hit-list document.
The company's hit-list approach caused anxiety.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Metaphorical: 'Management has a hit list of underperforming branches slated for closure.'

Academic

Rare in pure academic texts; may appear in political science, criminology, or media studies discussing terrorism or organised crime.

Everyday

Figurative and humorous: 'I've made a hit list of all the chores I need to finish this weekend.'

Technical

In computing/security: can refer to a list of IP addresses or applications targeted for blocking or removal.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hit list”

Strong

kill listdeath listassassination list

Neutral

target listshortlistroster of targets

Weak

agendaprioritieschecklist

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hit list”

safe listprotected listexemption listwhitelist

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hit list”

Using 'hit list' to mean a popular music chart (that's a 'hit parade').
Confusing 'hit list' with 'bucket list' (list of things to do before death).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. While its original and most serious meaning involves assassination, it is commonly used metaphorically in business, politics, and everyday talk to mean a list of targets for any aggressive action, like layoffs or criticism.
: A 'hit list' is for eliminating targets, a 'bucket list' is for achieving personal goals before you 'kick the bucket' (die). They are opposites in intention.
: Yes, informally. 'To hit-list someone/something' means to put them on such a list, e.g., 'The department was hit-listed for budget cuts.'
: Yes, it originates from criminal slang. While now standard in news reporting, it retains an informal edge. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'list of targets' or 'rostered for elimination' might be preferred.
: A list of people or things targeted for attack, elimination, or criticism.
: Hit list: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ˌlɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“to be at the top of someone's hit list (to be the primary target)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a film HITman checking a LIST of names before his missions.

Conceptual Metaphor

ACHIEVING A GOAL IS HITTING A TARGET; ELIMINATING PROBLEMS IS KILLING TARGETS.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the scandal, the reformist minister found himself at the top of the party's for removal.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'hit list' LEAST likely to be used metaphorically?