bottom line

NOUN

center or central factor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

core crux essence income profit reality

WEAK

basis conclusion determination fiber final decision fundamentals key point last word loss main idea main point main thing meat and potatoes name of the game net nitty-gritty nuts and bolts point sum and substance what it's all about whole story

ADJECTIVE

of key importance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cardinal critical crucial essential fundamental important indispensable

STRONG

necessary underlying vital

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.

“The bottom line is that fertility is declining around the world, and that isn’t new,” says Goldin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

But “the bottom line is $20,000 now is not what it was two years ago,” Eustache Clerveaux, a financial planner at Fidare Wealth Solutions, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

And through that lens, you start being blinded by this humanity that’s around you or caring for people around you rather than a bottom line.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

The bottom line: Nextpower’s $365 million bet on Prevalon arrives at a perfect time, as the company benefits from a dual wave of geopolitical shocks and AI-fueled demand.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

In fact, compared with Wal-Mart’s unctuous service ethic, Todd’s emphasis on the bottom line is positively refreshing.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

bottom line

Example Sentences

Related Words