breaking point

American  

noun

1. the point at which a person, object, structure, etc., collapses under stress.

2. the point at which a situation or condition becomes critical.

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breaking point British  

noun

1. the point at which something or someone gives way under strain

2. the moment of crisis in a situation

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Etymology

Origin of breaking point

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

“They’re caring for their loved ones, work, kids, families and friends, and it can take them to the breaking point.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Internal dissent reached a breaking point last March after CBS Los Angeles aired a report on deplorable conditions at St. Mark’s Hotel.

From Los Angeles Times

Opinion: Airline safety is at a breaking point.

From Washington Post

The nation needs certainty that nothing else is at a breaking point.

From Washington Post

These occur because the movement in the first quake can increase stresses along nearby fault sections beyond their breaking point.

From New York Times