break even

1 of 3

phrase

: to achieve a balance
especially : to operate a business or enterprise without either loss or profit

breakeven

2 of 3

noun

break·​even ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən How to pronounce breakeven (audio)
: the point at which cost and income are equal and there is neither profit nor loss
also : a financial result reflecting neither profit nor loss

break-even

3 of 3

adjective

ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən How to pronounce break-even (audio)
: having equal cost and income

Examples of break even in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
Howard said that the cuts are designed to help the organization make its operations break even. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 The movie broke even thanks to success overseas, but its perception as a failure in its home country had significant repercussions for Gems. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
For example, the break-even age for claiming at 67 vs age 62 is 79 years old. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 26 July 2026 When the Investment Pays Off The break-even case is heavy use. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for break even

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1885, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of break even was in 1885

Rhymes for break even

See All Rhymes for break even

Browse Nearby Words

breakerman
break even
breakeven
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break even.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20even. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on break even

Nglish: Translation of break even for Spanish Speakers

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