inflection point

American  

[in-flek-shuhn point] / ɪnˈflɛk ʃən ˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. Also called point of inflection.  Also called flex 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.

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Etymology

Origin of inflection point

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The draft comes at an inflection point for college sports, and particularly college football.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

“The Western rare earth sector stands at a critical inflection point, as governments and strategic industries urgently seek reliable sources of critical rare earths — particularly scarce heavy rare earths.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

But with prices now deeply discounted and signs of tightening beginning to emerge, that divergence may be nearing an inflection point, opening the door for natural gas and its stocks to play catch-up.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The chip maker looks to be approaching an inflection point, after years of stock underperformance and heavy investment.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Novartis seems likely to reiterate its full-year guidance and continue to signal an inflection point for growth in the second half, the analysts add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026