break even
1 of 3phrase
: to achieve a balance
especially
: to operate a business or enterprise without either loss or profit
break·even
ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən 
: 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
: having equal cost and income
Examples of break even in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 25 May 2026
The problem is, not one of Montreal’s pairs is above break-even through two rounds.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 20 May 2026
The financial break-even point for these students occurred seven years after college entry.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Labor merely wants a close to break-even contract.
—John Dias, CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for break even
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Adjective
Should that be true, the transit agency servicing the World Cup final is saying that moving people to a stadium is so expensive for them, a $98 train ticket is the break-even.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 25 May 2026
The problem is, not one of Montreal’s pairs is above break-even through two rounds.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 20 May 2026
The financial break-even point for these students occurred seven years after college entry.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Labor merely wants a close to break-even contract.
—John Dias, CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for break even
Cite this Entry
“Break even.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20even. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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