wildcat
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈwaɪldˌkæt/
KK: /ˈwaɪldˌkæt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is risky, speculative, or done outside of normal procedures, often in a financial or business context.
Example
The company engaged in wildcat drilling, hoping to find oil in an untested area.
Conversation
Did you hear about that wildcat strike at the factory last week?
Yeah, I read about it; it seemed pretty unexpected.
I wonder what caused the workers to go for such a wildcat approach.
Sometimes, it feels like they just need to take a stand, even if it's risky.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
speculative
irresponsible
risky
Antonyms
conservative
stable
prudent
intransitive verb
Definition
To engage in an unauthorized strike or to search for oil or minerals in untested areas.
Example
The workers decided to wildcat when their demands were not met by management.
Tense Forms
Past: wildcatted
Past Participle: wildcatted
Conversation
Did you hear about the workers who decided to wildcat last week?
Yeah, it surprised everyone!
I wonder what made them choose to wildcat instead of negotiating.
noun
Definition
A type of wild feline, often small to medium in size, including species like the bobcat and caracal, or a person who is fierce or quick-tempered.
Example
The wildcat is known for its agility and hunting skills in the forest.
Conversation
Did you see that wildcat at the zoo yesterday?
Yeah, it looked so fierce and beautiful!
I didn't expect it to be so much bigger than a house cat.
transitive verb
Definition
To search for oil or minerals in an area that is not expected to have them.
Example
The company decided to wildcat in the remote region, hoping to find new oil reserves.
Tense Forms
Past: wildcatted
Past Participle: wildcatted
Conversation
Did you hear about the new oil company that plans to wildcat in our area?
Yeah, I heard it could be a big risk if they don't find anything.
I wonder if they really think there's potential here to wildcat successfully.
Root Explanation
Wildcat → The word is formed from "wild" (from Old English *wild*, meaning untamed or feral) and "cat" (from Latin *cattus*, meaning a domesticated feline). The term "wildcat" refers to a cat that is untamed or living in a natural state, as opposed to being domesticated.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'feral' ('wild') cat — that's why 'wildcat' describes a cat that is untamed.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.