Bottom Line - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT bottom line /ˌbɑdəm ˌˈlaɪn/ /ˈbɒtəm laɪn/ IPA guide

Other forms: bottom lines

The bottom line is the last line of an audit, showing profit or loss. It's also the main point or idea of anything.

Originally, the bottom line of an audit said whether you were making money, losing money, or breaking even. It was the most important part. From there, this became a figure of speech for the most important part of anything. If someone is talking a long time explaining something, you might ask "What's the bottom line?" That's asking them to get to the point. The bottom line of a speech is the main argument or central idea. Bottom lines are important.

Definitions of bottom line

noun the last line in an audit; the line that shows profit or loss see moresee less type of: line text consisting of a row of words written across a page or computer screen
noun the decisive point see moresee less type of: point a brief version of the essential meaning of something

Pronunciation US /ˌbɑdəm ˌˈlaɪn/ UK /ˈbɒtəm laɪn/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘bottom line'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing bottom line

Idioms and Expressions, List 4

This list includes expressions from languages other than English, and much more.

Front Desk Kelly Yang

Ten-year-old Mia Tang lives and works at the motel where her immigrant parents are employed. Together, Mia and her family strive to make a better life for themselves — and for other immigrants in their community.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life James Patterson

Rafe Khatchadorian and his friend Leonardo come up with a game in which they earn points for breaking middle school rules. But a school bully discovers their journal full of the game's details and threatens to turn them in.

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