wildcat

• 指未经批准、非官方或不受控制的（行为），常用于描述罢工或商业活动；也指野生的猫科动物（如野猫、猞猁等）。

Describes an action that is unauthorized, unofficial, or uncontrolled, often used in the context of strikes or business ventures.

1. Unauthorized or illegalC1formalbusiness

   Relating to business activities that are outside the bounds of legitimate or ethical practices.

   非法的

   • The company engaged in wildcat trading schemes that violated regulations.
   • Wildcat banking practices led to financial instability in the region.
   • Authorities cracked down on wildcat operations in the market.

   同义词illegalillicitoutlawrenegaderogueunauthorizedunlawfulunofficialunsanctioned

   反义词authorizedlegallegitimatelicensedofficialsanctioned

2. Without official authorizationC1formal

   Done without official approval or sanction, often referring to strikes or actions.

   未经授权的

   • The workers organized a wildcat strike despite union opposition.
   • Wildcat protests erupted without prior notice to authorities.
   • Management refused to negotiate with the wildcat committee.

   同义词unauthorizedunofficialunsanctioned

   反义词approvedauthorizedofficialsanctioned

3. Speculative drillingC2formaltechnical

   Describing a mine or oil well drilled in an area not known to be productive, based on speculation.

   野猫井

   • The company invested heavily in wildcat drilling in the remote desert.
   • Wildcat wells often yield no oil but can lead to major discoveries.
   • Geologists assessed the risks of wildcat exploration in uncharted territory.

   同义词exploratoryspeculativeunprovenuntested

• 多义词：可指在未知有油田的地区钻探的探井，也可指凶残好斗的人，或指任何小型或中型、外形类似家猫的野猫。

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to an exploratory oil well drilled in an area not known to be an oil field, a cruelly rapacious person, or any small to medium-sized wild cat resembling a domestic cat.

1. Exploratory oil wellC1formaltechnical

   An oil well drilled in an area not known to contain oil, often as a speculative venture.

   野猫井

   • The company invested heavily in a wildcat in the remote desert.
   • Wildcat drilling is risky but can yield huge profits.
   • They struck oil with their first wildcat well.

2. Cruel or aggressive personC1informal

   A person who is ruthlessly greedy or violent, often in business or personal dealings.

   凶残或好斗的人

   • He was a financial wildcat, ruining companies for profit.
   • The gang leader was a wildcat who showed no mercy.
   • She called him a wildcat after he cheated his partners.

   同义词cutthroatpredatorsharkvulture

3. Wild felineB2formalscientific

   Any small or medium-sized wild cat species, such as the European wildcat or African wildcat.

   野猫

   • The European wildcat is larger than a domestic cat.
   • Wildcats are solitary animals that hunt at night.
   • The African wildcat is believed to be the ancestor of domestic cats.