breaking point
Americannoun
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breaking points
plural
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the point at which a person, object, structure, etc., collapses under stress.
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the point at which a situation or condition becomes critical.
noun
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the point at which something or someone gives way under strain
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the moment of crisis in a situation
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of breaking point
First recorded in 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But he argues: “While this remains problematic, the U.S. consumer is not at the breaking point from these higher oil prices.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 2026
Allison Anderman’s breaking point was a slow-moving Lyft to Miami from the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The scent inside gave her a headache and made her nauseous.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
He conceded that it means "hundreds" more people will stay in prison - as prisons in England and Wales reach breaking point at more than 97% full.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
But in this summer of extreme heat and drought, Lafon, also a pine grower who oversees the fire safety system, came to recognize it has reached its breaking point.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
Likewise, “united thoughts and counsels” stretches the notion of collective responsibility to the breaking point.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
