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

Pay 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

2

: 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

Overall, the biggest dealbreaker was the $290 price tag.

—Bianca Alba

Any number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker.

—Liza Mundy

Examples of deal-breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For others, deal-breakers could include their job title, specific responsibilities, a signing bonus or other perk. —Alex Koller, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024

The aftertaste was underwhelming, but not a deal-breaker. —Pete Cottell, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024

Ease Of Use Another deal-breaker for many is the ease of use issues that seem inherent to shapewear. —Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 30 July 2024

What to know: The application has at least 69 questions, ranging from your relationship to alcohol, deal-breakers and family traditions. —Steph Solis, Axios, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1