inflection point

[ in-flek-shuhn point ]

noun

1. Also called flex point [fleks, point], Mathematics. a point on a curve at which the curvature changes from convex to concave or vice versa.
2. a point at which a major or decisive change takes place; critical point:

   We’re at an inflection point where we’ll see the technology move forward at a much faster pace.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflection point¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The obvious inflection point in the show occurs with the jump from icons of the 40s and 50s, to those of the 60s and 70s.

From The Daily Beast

For a president who believes in playing the long game, this was an inflection point.

From The Daily Beast

And that truth encapsulates the inflection point now upon us.

From The Daily Beast

“The president sees this as an inflection point in the war, and that is reflected in these policies,” says a top Obama adviser.

From The Daily Beast

But the notion that Italy is “the big one” and now we have reached the inflection point, that is just silly.

From The Daily Beast