With the increasing use of large composite components in aircraft structure,the huge effect on the mechanical performance of the composite structure when cutouts are localized on the composite laminate should draw researcher＇s attention and it is extremely urgent that the reinforcement concerned the cutouts should be investigated. This paper is focus on the research efforts over the past decade,the recent advance in mechanical behavior of the composite structure settled a cutout consist of stress concentration around the margin of cutout﹑the stability and failure behavior of the composite laminate is reviewed systematacially,incorporating the reinforcement strategies. Furthermore, several constructive suggestions are proposed with respect to research and designing on composite structure with cutouts.