bottom-line

1 of 2

adjective

bot·​tom-line ˈbä-təm-ˌlīn How to pronounce bottom-line (audio)
Synonyms of bottom-linenext
1
: concerned only with cost or profits
2
bottom-liner noun chiefly US, often disparaging

bottom line

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the essential or salient point : crux
b
: the primary or most important consideration
2
a
: 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

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
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
When leadership attention shifts entirely to bottom-line metrics, employees are left feeling undervalued and disconnected. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 De Marffy will directly manage the Kilian Paris and Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle businesses in the region, with responsibility for driving top- and bottom-line growth, strengthening local relevance and building long-term brand equity strategies. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Noun
The bottom line is that two lives are wasted and two families suffer for something that was completely avoidable. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026 If power dynamics flare, stay steady and name your bottom line without drama, with calm timing. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bottom-line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bottom-line was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Bottom-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bottom-line. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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