deal breaker

Or deal-break·er
Or deal·break·er

[deel brey-ker]

noun

1. an aspect, condition, or item that would not be accepted by a party to a business transaction or political deal.

   Prior to committing to a partnership, the corporation needs to have a clear vision of deal breakers versus where they are willing to be flexible.

2. something that would cause a person to abandon a plan, mutual arrangement, agreement, or relationship.

   Sorry, but entering into marriage with a partner who has hefty debt or terrible credit is definitely a deal breaker.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deal breaker¹

First recorded in 1975–80; deal ¹ ( def. ) + breaker ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Greg or no Greg, the East Hollywood spot’s parking situation seemed like a deal breaker.

From Los Angeles Times

He still says he's pro-choice, which is generally a deal breaker in GOP politics.

From Salon

“Bad teeth are a deal breaker for me. I want someone who takes care of themselves.”

From Salon

The actual deal breaker, though, may be his sordid personal life.

From Salon

But in this election, most people who consider themselves to be good white Christians flatly declared that white supremacy was, at a minimum, not a deal breaker for them.

From Salon