noun

a murderer or other violent criminal.

a disreputable squad of thieves, cut-throats, and deserters

murderer,killer,assassin,butcher,liquidator,executioner,thug,bravo,hitman,button man,slayer,homicide

adjective

(of a competitive situation or activity) fierce and intense; involving the use of ruthless measures.

the cut-throat world of fashion

ruthless,merciless,pitiless,unfeeling,relentless,aggressive,badass,dog-eat-dog,fiercely competitive,intensely competitive