Definition of the word bottom line

The expression "bottom line" is commonly used in business to refer to the net profit or loss of a company or project, representing the final and most significant outcome. It originated in the late 1960s or early 1970s in the United States financial industry, specifically in the context of preparing balance sheets, where the last line item, typically Profit or Loss (P&L), details the overall financial result. Since then, the expression has become widely popular, appearing in various business contexts and becoming a part of everyday language. The phrase "bottom line" signifies a focus on the most crucial and meaningful fact, which is often the final financial result, rather than getting caught up in irrelevant details or discussions.