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 

: 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

ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən 

: having equal cost and income

Examples of break even in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

The company expects its electric-car business to simply break even in 2029. — Tim Levin, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

An additional 43% of participants reported breaking even with little or no profit. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Adjective

For example, the break-even age for claiming at 67 vs age 62 is 79 years old. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 26 July 2026

When the Investment Pays Off The break-even case is heavy use. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

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

Rhymes for break even

• breakeven
• genevan
• uneven
• steven