cutting edge | bleeding edge
Meaning(s)
1. new and most advanced technology (with early-stage risks)
Popularity
High
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
cutting-edge research/technology/techniques, the cutting/bleeding edge of innovation
Analysis
Something described as being on the ‘cutting edge’ is brand new and uses the latest technology or research in its creation or execution. Something at the 'bleeding edge' might have early-stage risks associated with it due to being untested so far. These terms are usually used in marketing or scientific disciplines to describe something innovative or exciting.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The Research and Development department were on the cutting edge of innovation.
- The company used cutting-edge technology for all their security which made them hard to infiltrate.
- The salon won awards because they used cutting-edge techniques in all their services.
- The company's latest device is at the bleeding edge of technological advancement, and as such, it comes with a high degree of risk because it remains largely untested in the field.
Social Examples (Basic)
- We invested in some cutting edge technology for our home, we can control the lights from our phones and turn off the heating even when we are in work.
- New eye surgery is so cutting edge that your recovery time is only a couple of hours afterwards.