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
Estimates vary, but the break-even rate was near zero in late 2025, down from about 250,000 jobs a month in 2023, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. — Bydavid Schepp, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 Pelato reached break-even in its third month, according to figures the company provided to Fortune. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Phrase
The company is likely to break even on an operating basis in 2028, the bank said. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 Gen Z fared best, with most getting back more than 80 cents per dollar—but that’s still well short of breaking even. — Shae Lake, Fortune, 5 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Breakeven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakeven. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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