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
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| a noun names a limit, ending point, date, or related result | cutoff | Use the closed noun. |
| an adjective modifies another noun | cutoff | Use the closed attributive form. |
| a verb means stop, separate, or interrupt | cut off | Use the two-word verb phrase. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the expression acting as the verb in the sentence?
If yes: Use “cut off.”
If no: If it names or modifies a limit/end point, use “cutoff.”
Caveat: Choose by the documented meaning or construction; a different pattern may be valid in a different sentence structure or variety.
Examples
Friday is the application cutoff.
The word names the final limit.
The cutoff date is Friday.
The closed form modifies “date.”
The storm cut off power to the building.
The two words form the verb phrase.
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