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

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 break-even point is usually somewhere in a person’s early 80s, although the actual age depends on taxes and inflation, advisers say.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

He says the break-even point for barley is more than £200 per tonne, and around half of it is sold in contracts for future delivery.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

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

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam