break-even point

American  

noun

1. the point at which the income from sale of a product or service equals the invested costs, resulting in neither profit nor loss; the stage at which income equals expenditure.

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Etymology

Origin of break-even point

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

break-even point

Many all-you-can-eat menus lead with heavy, low-cost carbohydrates like pasta or thick breading to trigger fullness before you’ve reached the break-even point on higher-cost proteins.

From MarketWatch ● May 14, 2026

Chief Executive Officer Marcus Lemonis said in a letter to shareholders the year-over-year revenue gap was narrowing, and that the company had lowered its break-even point for profitability by focusing on improving margins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026

That makes the break-even point between subscription and purchase at 81 months, or almost seven years.

From Barron's ● Jan. 14, 2026

As profits have risen, so have prices, and Big Game's break-even point has dropped.

From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2024

“Perhaps there’s a break-even point for all propellants.”

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam