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

: having equal cost and income

Examples of break even in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The financing package is designed to fund just under $266 million in construction costs and cover the full ramp-up to break-even. Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 In a virtual conference in February, Pinillos said the cost discipline would fuel 50 percent of the company’s break-even push, with the other 50 percent coming from growth in operating margins. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026 For someone analyzing break-even points on Social Security claiming, this number matters enormously. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026 Losses from the streaming segment narrowed by €90 million to €47 million ($51 million), with the company saying the business approached break-even in the fourth quarter. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Break even.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20even. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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