breakeven

1 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

2 of 3

adjective

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

break even

3 of 3

phrase

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

Examples of breakeven 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.
Adjective
Schulz says the customer agreed, providing approximately $75,000 in support that kept the company close to break-even until the cycle ended in early 2022. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 For example, the break-even age for claiming at 67 vs age 62 is 79 years old. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 26 July 2026
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 See All Example Sentences for breakeven

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1931, in the meaning defined above

Phrase

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakeven was in 1885

Rhymes for breakeven

See All Rhymes for breakeven

Browse Nearby Words

breakerman
breakeven
break-even
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breakeven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakeven. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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