tipping point

American  

noun

1. the point at which an issue, idea, product, etc., crosses a certain threshhold and gains significant momentum, triggered by some minor factor or change.

2. the point in a situation at which a minor development precipitates a crisis.

   Every infected person brings us closer to the tipping point, when the outbreak becomes an epidemic.

3. Physics. the point at which an object is no longer balanced, and adding a small amount of weight can cause it to topple.

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tipping point British  

/ ˈtɪpɪŋ /

noun

1. the crisis stage in a process, when a significant change takes place

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Etymology

Origin of tipping point

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tipping point

However, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for much longer, oil markets are still likely to reach a tipping point in the coming months, potentially pushing crude prices to $120 a barrel or higher.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

The tipping point came when Wrobleski surrendered eight runs to the Nationals in his first major-league start of the 2025 season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

Die-hard fans, many clad in American flags and US squad regalia, told the BBC they were convinced that whether the team won or lost, this World Cup could be a tipping point for the country.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

As more individuals join, the movement reaches a tipping point and develops into a large, self sustaining circular procession.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 6, 2026

Some scholars believe we have long since passed a tipping point where the declining marginal return on imprisonment has dipped below zero.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander