Cutting rate refers to a reduction in prices or costs, which makes it an indicator of affordability. The antonyms for cutting rate include an increase in prices, a surge in costs, or a rise in expenses. An increase in prices makes it more difficult for customers to purchase goods or services, making the prices less affordable. A surge in costs implies that the business is spending more on production, which reduces profitability. A rise in expenses means that the business is spending more on operational costs such as rent, salaries, and utilities, which leads to a decrease in profitability. The opposite of cutting rates is an indicator of economic growth or inflation.