bottom line

noun

the bottom line : the most important part of something : the most important thing to consider

: the final result or outcome

: a company's profits or losses

Full Definition of BOTTOM LINE

a : the essential or salient point : crux

b : the primary or most important consideration

a : the line at the bottom of a financial report that shows the net profit or loss

b : financial considerations (as cost or profit or loss)

c : the final result

See bottom line defined for English-language learners

1967

Synonyms: crux, bull's-eye, centerpiece, core, essence, gist, heart, kernel, keynote, meat, meat and potatoes, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, point, root, sum

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