breaking point

American  

noun

1. the point at which a person, object, structure, etc., collapses under stress.

2. the point at which a situation or condition becomes critical.

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breaking point British  

noun

1. the point at which something or someone gives way under strain

2. the moment of crisis in a situation

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Etymology

Origin of breaking point

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The long-suffering recording engineer reaches his breaking point after becoming totally fed up with the band’s self-absorbed, self-destructive behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

But staff and patients alike warn that hospitals across the country are caught in the middle of a system, many believe, is close to breaking point.

From BBC

“They’re caring for their loved ones, work, kids, families and friends, and it can take them to the breaking point.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think, from what he's told me, he just reached breaking point with it," she said.

From BBC

The SNA, always stretched thin, has been pushed to breaking point, say analysts.

From Barron's