the cutting edge
Where progress happens
The cutting edge is the forefront of development or innovation—where the newest and most advanced work happens: researchers working at the cutting edge of genetics, cutting-edge technology.
The phrase comes from the sharpened blade that does the actual work of cutting.
To be on the cutting edge is to be ahead of the mainstream, pioneering what others will eventually adopt.
Most technologically advanced available
- high-techUsing newest innovations
- next-generationNewer, improved iteration
- futuristicSuggestive of times ahead
- ultramodernExtremely advanced in style
advanced · sophisticated · breakthrough · innovation · pioneering · revolutionary · disruptive · emerging
Most prominent position
- vanguardForemost position or group
- aheadIn the lead
- leaderOne who guides others
- frontrunnerLeading candidate or competitor
competitive advantage · first place · dominant · outpacing · surpassing · rivals · market leader · industry leader
Sudden important advance
- inventionNew device or method
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- ingenuityClever, original thinking
- creativityCapacity for original thought
novelty · originality · inventiveness · visionary · genius · transformation · revolution · progress
Initiating popular movements
- avant-gardeInnovative cultural pioneers
- voguePrevailing popular style
- stylishFashionably elegant
- chicTasteful, current flair
edgy · hip · contemporary · modern · sleek · tastemaker · runway · haute couture
state-of-the-art
Most technologically advanced available
- high-techUsing newest innovations
- next-generationNewer, improved iteration
- futuristicSuggestive of times ahead
ultramodern · advanced · sophisticated · breakthrough · innovation · pioneering · revolutionary · disruptive · emerging · frontier
forefront
Most prominent position
frontrunner · competitive advantage · first place · dominant · outpacing · surpassing · rivals · market leader · industry leader · top tier
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
- inventionNew device or method
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- ingenuityClever, original thinking
creativity · novelty · originality · inventiveness · visionary · genius · transformation · revolution · progress · development
trendsetting
Initiating popular movements
- avant-gardeInnovative cultural pioneers
- voguePrevailing popular style
- stylishFashionably elegant
chic · edgy · hip · contemporary · modern · sleek · tastemaker · runway · haute couture · designer
the cutting edgeoutdated
No longer in use
obsolete · antiquated · behind the times · old-fashioned · dated
the cutting edgebringing up the rear
the cutting edgepassé
No longer fashionable
out of style · unfashionable · unhip · square · uncool
edge, cutting, edges, edged, cutter, edging, cutters, cutting-edge, cutlet