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Definitions

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: Keep your exuberance in check.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The facility boosted the company’s bottom line by about $60 million in the first quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Wolves that eat livestock take a bite out of the bottom line for ranchers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

At least so far, AI seems to be boosting, not hurting, H&R Block’s bottom line.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Regardless of Lilya’s fashion sense, the bottom line was that her feet needed to be protected from the below-zero Russian winter cold.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein