breaking point
Americannoun
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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
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.
In the fourth year of a struggling market, even real-estate professionals who made it this far are reaching a breaking point.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
"The country needs order, and is reaching breaking point," the 58-year-old leader said at a public event in La Paz, renewing his appeal for dialogue.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Ian McCollum's family had said they were at "breaking point" as the trial was expected to be postponed due to the ongoing barrister's strike.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
"When the nanopillars are closer together, more of them can press on the same virus at once, stretching its outer shell past breaking point."
From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026
There is great tension in the world, tension toward a breaking point, and men are unhappy and confused.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
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.
