English UsageComparison guide
Cutoff vs. Cut Off
“Cutoff” is a noun for an ending, limit, point, date, device, or related result and is also used adjectivally. “Cut off” is the verb phrase for stopping, ending, separating, or interrupting.
Use “cutoff” for the noun/adjective and “cut off” for the verb.
Key details
Confusion Familyword-boundary
Rule Familyorthographic-boundary
Termscutoff, cut off
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a limit, deadline, ending, device, or related thing | cutoff | It is the noun and can also be attributive. |
| the action of stopping, ending, separating, or interrupting | cut off | It is the verb. |
Further guidance
Core difference
The closed form names or modifies a cutoff; the open form expresses the action.
Fast Test
If you can write “cutting off” or “was cut off,” use the two-word verb.
Sense Boundary
Because both forms have many senses, identify the grammatical role first instead of relying on one definition.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Cutoff — Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Cutoff noun/adjective and cut off verb word-class boundary