break even

[breyk-ee-vuhn] / ˈbreɪkˈi vən /

VERB

be or become equal

Synonyms

WEAK

balance books equalize experience no loss recover cost recover expense

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Typically, you have to live into your early 80s to break even if you take Social Security early.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Ambiq Micro forecasts $31 million to $32 million in Q2 net sales, aiming for $47 million quarterly to break even.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Collectors need to own art for a minimum of 10 years on average to break even.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

He claimed to not make any money from it and said he was lucky to break even on travel expenses.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

“He has a very hard head. Hard enough to break even the toughest of cups.”

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman