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

But Mayor Kate Gallego says the local population is growing tired of seeing data centers multiply in their communities, straining water supplies and a power grid that are already at breaking point.

From Barron's

Bennett, from Folkestone, Kent, previously told the BBC the couple's situation had reached "a terrifying breaking point" following the outbreak of war between Iran and the US and Israel.

From BBC

In September, things reached breaking point once more.

From BBC

Many high-achieving workers may find that they have kept saying yes to more and more responsibilities, but at some point, they hit a breaking point.

From MarketWatch

But know that whatever you say or do, however benign, can be weaponized to provoke a reaction, and as much as we try, everyone has their breaking point.

From MarketWatch