deal-breaker

noun

deal-break·​er ˈdēl-ˌbrā-kər 

variants or less commonly deal breaker or dealbreaker

plural deal-breakers also deal breakers or dealbreakers

1

: someone or something that prevents a deal or arrangement from being reached or fulfilled

… climate-related provisions were unlikely to be a deal-breaker, but the bill has taken a back seat to voting rights legislation …

—Matthew Daly

That's where the other key player, Tomas Kaberle, comes in. He was a deal-breaker a few weeks ago in a potential trade between the Flyers and Toronto, when Quinn would not substitute him for the injured Danny Markov.

—Tim Panaccio

Pay attention to any signs of a DIY fix or update. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's better to know now—when you can ask the seller about it—than after the deal is done.

—Matt Ellis

2

: a reason for rejecting someone or something

The display is disappointing but not necessarily a deal-breaker unless your job consists of editing photos and videos.

—Jason Cipriani

Overall, the biggest dealbreaker was the $290 price tag.

—Bianca Alba

Any number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker.

—Liza Mundy

Examples of deal-breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Might not be a deal-breaker, but might be a red flag. —Jason Kirk, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

For Helen, that’s a deal-breaker—but this isn’t Helen’s deal to break! —Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026

If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, then the Citi Executive card is more rewarding. —Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025

Active infestations or significant damage can be deal-breakers or major negotiating points. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deal-breaker

• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker
• icebreaker
• lawmaker
• matchmaker
• pacemaker
• partaker
• peacemaker