bottom-line

adjective

bot·tom-line | \ ˈbä-təm-ˌlīn

Definition of bottom-line

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : concerned only with cost or profits

2 : pragmatic, realistic

bottom line

noun

Definition of bottom line (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : the essential or salient point : crux

b : the primary or most important consideration

2a : the line at the bottom of a financial report that shows the net profit or loss

b : financial considerations (such as cost or profit or loss)

c : the final result

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Examples of bottom-line in a Sentence

Noun

If our flight is late, we will miss our connection. That's the bottom line. A student with special needs can stress a school's budget, but the bottom line is that the state must provide for the child's education. How will these changes affect our bottom line? He's always got his eye on the bottom line. He says his bottom line is $120,000.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bottom line: Ring didn’t do anything particularly innovative with its Alarm Security Kit, but this inexpensive DIY system stands out because of its simplicity. — Cnet.com, The Seattle Times, "4 home security systems you can install yourself," 22 Jan. 2019 But the bottom line is, the shape of your boobs is exactly the way it's supposed to be. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "Are Your Boobs Normal? We Asked An Expert," 8 Mar. 2019 Their bottom line and their net profit is better, the quality of their products and services is better. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Lilly Ledbetter Talks Ambition, Equal Pay, and Women in Politics Ahead of the Tory Burch Foundation’s Embrace Ambition Event," 8 Mar. 2019 According to their investors, this is good for their bottom lines, not just their consciences. — Laura Forman, WSJ, "Tech’s Costly Health Benefits Pay Dividends," 2 Mar. 2019 My bottom line is this: There are too many things that already make many of us — especially women — feel bad about ourselves. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "Why "Clean Eating" Is Total B.S., According to a Nutritionist," 29 Nov. 2018 In recent seasons, brands like Christian Siriano that have made diversity a priority have not only been celebrated in the press but have ultimately boosted their bottom lines. — Hilary George-parkin, Glamour, "What's Holding Victoria's Secret Back From Body Diversity on the Runway?," 9 Nov. 2018 Some analysts said the effect of the cost cuts has been slow to show up in Ford’s bottom line. — Mike Colias, WSJ, "Ford Swings to a Loss, Misses Analysts’ Profit Estimates," 23 Jan. 2019 These moves have, of course, affected the company’s bottom line, and major gun companies now refuse to do business with Dick’s. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "A breakdown of this year’s brand winners and losers.," 27 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bottom-line.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.