Dealbreaker - meaning and definition
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Definition
A trait, value or circumstance that would make someone unwilling to continue dating or be in a relationship with a person.
At a glance
- A trait or circumstance that would end someone's interest in dating a person.
- Common examples are smoking, views on children or views on monogamy.
- They help people filter early instead of finding mismatches later.
- People tend to weigh dealbreakers more heavily than positive traits.
In detail
Dealbreakers are often listed on dating profiles, such as smoking, wanting or not wanting children, or differing views on monogamy. They help people filter early instead of discovering fundamental mismatches later.
Research on dating suggests people often weigh dealbreakers more heavily than positive traits. Keeping the list focused on genuine values, rather than surface preferences, can widen the pool of good matches.
In a sentence
- Not wanting kids is a dealbreaker for me, so I put it on my profile.
- Is different music taste really a dealbreaker, or just a preference?
Where the word comes from
From business and negotiation, where a dealbreaker is an issue that stops an agreement. It moved into everyday dating language in the late twentieth century.
Common questions
What are common dealbreakers in dating?
Frequently listed ones include smoking, different wishes about children, different views on monogamy, and differences in core values or religion.
Should I list dealbreakers on my profile?
Listing a few important ones can save time. Keeping the list to genuine values rather than surface preferences can help you avoid ruling out good matches.