cutoff score

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The lowest mark a person must reach on a test to pass, qualify or be accepted.

   Grammar: Often takes for: the cutoff score for admission.

   Patterns

   • the cutoff score for something
   • reach the cutoff score

   The cutoff score for the scholarship is 85 out of 100.

   She missed the cutoff score by two points.

   The university lowered its cutoff score this year.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In research or medicine, a set value on a measurement that divides cases into groups, such as positive and negative.

   Grammar: Used in scientific writing about screening tools.

   Patterns

   • a cutoff score of something

   Researchers chose a cutoff score of 10 to flag possible depression.

   Any result above the cutoff score is treated as positive.

   The cutoff score depends on how many false alarms the clinic can accept.

Word forms

Common combinations

meet the cutoff score

Only half the applicants met the cutoff score.

set a cutoff score

The board set a cutoff score of 70.

above the cutoff score

Everyone above the cutoff score gets an interview.

minimum cutoff score

The minimum cutoff score changes each year.

raise the cutoff score

They raised the cutoff score to make the course more selective.

Synonyms and how they differ

passing grade

A passing grade is the standard school term, while cutoff score can also refer to selection thresholds for jobs and programs.

threshold

Threshold is more general and can be any level, whereas cutoff score refers to a test mark.

benchmark

A benchmark is a standard used for comparison, not necessarily a point at which people are dropped.

pass mark

Pass mark is the British phrase for the minimum needed to pass, while cutoff score also covers selection.

Word family

cutoff noun

a point or limit at which something stops

cut off phrasal verb

to stop or separate something

score noun

a number showing how well someone did

cutoff date noun

the final day something is allowed

Commonly confused: cutoff score or cut off?

Practice

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