› a sharp change is sudden and very noticeable: a sharp rise/increase in sth Analysts expect a sharp rise in core inflation to 2.7%. The decision is likely to mean a sharp increase in regulatory fees paid by companies registered as sponsors.a sharp drop/decline/fall in sth There has been a sharp decline in the standard of living. Builders faced a sharp drop in construction spending in November.
› showing intelligence and excellent judgement: The two are very sharp businessmen who have seen their property business move from handling small-scale office developments to schemes totaling €800 million. She is known in the media as a sharp and incisive thinker.
› sharp language is severe and angry: The CEO's proposals came in for some sharp criticism.be sharp with sb He was sharp with me when I asked him to help. Gomez's business practices came under sharp attack at the Senate hearing.
in sharp contrast (to sth) › in a way that is clearly recognized as different to something else: Sales were particularly strong last month, in sharp contrast to its main competitors.
