deal-breaker
noun
deal-break·er
ˈdēl-ˌbrā-kər 
variants
or less commonly deal breaker
or dealbreaker
plural deal-breakers also deal breakers or dealbreakers
1
: someone or something that prevents a deal or arrangement from being reached or fulfilled
That's where the other key player, Tomas Kaberle, comes in. He was a deal-breaker a few weeks ago in a potential trade between the Flyers and Toronto, when Quinn would not substitute him for the injured Danny Markov.—
Tim Panaccio
Tim PanaccioPay attention to any signs of a DIY fix or update. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's better to know now—when you can ask the seller about it—than after the deal is done.—Matt Ellis
Matt Ellis2
: a reason for rejecting someone or something
The display is disappointing but not necessarily a deal-breaker unless your job consists of editing photos and videos.—Jason Cipriani
Jason CiprianiOverall, the biggest dealbreaker was the $290 price tag.—Bianca Alba
Bianca AlbaAny number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker.—Liza Mundy
Liza MundyExamples of deal-breaker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s still no word on new mainline Mario and Zelda games, but that’s not especially a deal-breaker.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Not a deal-breaker While valuing a sports franchise, bankers examine not only the sports organization’s ability to maximize its tangible assets but also evaluate the team’s brand value, including winning championships or attracting marquee players.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The state and local tax (SALT) tax deduction proposal in front of the Ways and Means Committee remains a deal-breaker for Republicans in high-tax states.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 13 May 2025
While older generations, including millennials, appear more willing to bridge ideological gaps, Gen Z is redefining what constitutes a deal-breaker.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deal-breaker
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Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Not a deal-breaker While valuing a sports franchise, bankers examine not only the sports organization’s ability to maximize its tangible assets but also evaluate the team’s brand value, including winning championships or attracting marquee players.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The state and local tax (SALT) tax deduction proposal in front of the Ways and Means Committee remains a deal-breaker for Republicans in high-tax states.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 13 May 2025
While older generations, including millennials, appear more willing to bridge ideological gaps, Gen Z is redefining what constitutes a deal-breaker.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deal-breaker
Cite this Entry
“Deal-breaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deal-breaker. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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