Definition of shark

Short definition: The word shark means a large ocean fish that is famous for its sharp teeth and powerful body. People also use it in a figurative way to describe someone who is very aggressive in business or competition.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word shark? The word shark often brings two very different images to mind. On one side, people think of a powerful sea animal with sharp teeth that moves silently through the ocean. On the other side, the word is also used for people who are aggressive, clever, or even unfair in the way they deal with others. In everyday life, shark can describe both a real creature and a human behavior that feels intense and competitive. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with explanations that feel human instead of stiff like a textbook.

Noun forms: shark, sharks
Verb forms: shark, sharks, sharking, sharked
Related: sharky adj., shark-like adj.
Syllable: shark

1. A large sea animal with sharp teeth that lives in the ocean.

   In its most natural meaning, a shark is a powerful fish that lives in oceans around the world. Sharks are known for their strong bodies, sharp teeth, and silent way of swimming. Although they often seem scary in movies, most sharks do not attack humans, and they play an important role in keeping ocean life balanced.

   The diver stayed calm when a shark passed quietly in the distance.
   Children watched a documentary about sharks, learning that they are more fascinating than frightening.
   Seeing a shark in the wild made her respect how powerful nature can be.

   Synonyms: sea predator, ocean hunter, marine predator, big fish, apex predator, sea hunter, ocean beast, powerful swimmer, marine hunter, top predator, deep-sea fish, wild sea animal
   Antonyms: prey, harmless fish, gentle creature, small fish, sea herbivore, weak swimmer, non-predator, harmless animal, peaceful fish, sea prey, gentle sea life, calm creature

2. A person who is aggressive or unfair in business or competition.

   In everyday language, a shark can describe someone who is very smart and aggressive in getting what they want. This often carries a negative feeling, suggesting the person takes advantage of others or plays unfairly to win.

   Everyone warned her about the shark in the office, who always took credit for other people’s work.
   He felt uncomfortable dealing with that sales shark, because the man pushed too hard for a deal.
   In the business world, being called a shark can mean you are tough, but not always kind.

   Synonyms: hustler, dealmaker, hard negotiator, ruthless competitor, tough operator, aggressive trader, business predator, sharp dealer, manipulator, slick seller, tough bargainer, ruthless player
   Antonyms: fair dealer, honest worker, kind negotiator, gentle person, ethical businessperson, trustworthy partner, cooperative teammate, fair player, considerate colleague, honest trader, friendly seller, supportive worker

3. To behave in a clever but unfair way to get something.

   As a verb, shark means acting in a sneaky or aggressive way to gain advantage. It often suggests behavior that is smart, but not always honest or kind.

   He tried to shark his way into the deal, but people quickly noticed his unfair tactics.
   She refused to shark others, choosing to succeed through honesty instead.
   In the competition, some players sharked for every small advantage they could find.

   Synonyms: manipulate, cheat, hustle, scheme, take advantage, play dirty, trick others, exploit, swindle, outsmart unfairly, push hard, act ruthlessly
   Antonyms: play fair, act honestly, cooperate, help others, be ethical, treat fairly, support others, act kindly, share success, work together, be honest, respect rules

4. A person who is extremely skilled at a certain activity.

   Sometimes shark is used in a more positive way to describe someone who is very good at something. For example, a “card shark” is someone who plays cards with great skill and confidence.

   He’s a real card shark, winning almost every game at the table.
   Everyone knows her as a math shark, because she solves problems so quickly.
   In debates, he becomes a shark, always ready with strong arguments.

   Synonyms: expert, master, pro, specialist, ace, top performer, whiz, hotshot, champion, high achiever, standout, skilled player
   Antonyms: beginner, amateur, novice, learner, rookie, unskilled person, trainee, starter, weak performer, inexpert, slow learner, newcomer

5. A symbol of power, danger, and strong competition.

   Beyond real meanings, shark is often used as a symbol. It represents strength, fearlessness, and the idea of surviving in a tough world. People use it to describe environments where only the strongest succeed.

   The startup world can feel like a sea of sharks, where only the bold survive.
   In that industry, you need to be ready for sharks if you want to make it.
   He entered the market knowing he was swimming with sharks, but he stayed confident anyway.

   Synonyms: symbol of power, fierce competitor, strong force, tough rival, dominant figure, fearless presence, aggressive symbol, survival icon, powerful image, competitive force, bold character, dominant player
   Antonyms: gentle presence, weak symbol, harmless image, peaceful force, soft competitor, calm figure, friendly presence, non-threatening image, gentle character, mild force, peaceful role, kind symbol