breakeven

1 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

2 of 3

adjective

ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən 

: 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

Adjective

My season record picking games against the spread is barely above break-even after three straight losing weeks. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026

My premiums and car value were just about at the break-even point. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Phrase

There was also notable buying in the 190-strike call for month-end, a 40-cent contract that needs SpaceX to rally 29% to break even. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

For reference, the movie needs $350 million globally to break even because theater owners get to keep about half of ticket sales. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for breakeven

• genevan
• uneven
• even
• steven