bottom-line

1 of 2

adjective

bot·​tom-line ˈbä-təm-ˌlīn How to pronounce bottom-line (audio)
1
: concerned only with cost or profits
2
bottom-liner noun chiefly US, often disparaging

bottom line

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the essential or salient point : crux
b
: the primary or most important consideration
2
a
: the line at the bottom of a financial report that shows the net profit or loss
b
: financial considerations (such as cost or profit or loss)
c
: the final result

Examples of bottom-line in a Sentence

Noun If our flight is late, we will miss our connection. That's the bottom line. A student with special needs can stress a school's budget, but the bottom line is that the state must provide for the child's education. How will these changes affect our bottom line? He's always got his eye on the bottom line. He says his bottom line is $120,000.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The bottom line: For Lehane and OpenAI, fears about AI are dwindling, and the vibe shift is here to stay. Ashley Gold, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025 Scientists say midday power naps improve mental alertness, energy and productivity, even the company’s bottom line. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 The bottom line: Our modern culture is wearing kids out. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 The company still beat on the bottom line and same-store sales came in ahead of expectations. Lisa Kailai Han,pia Singh, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bottom-line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bottom-line was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Bottom-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bottom-line. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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