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.

---

tipping point British  

/ ˈtɪpɪŋ /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of tipping point

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tipping point

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

“A tipping point for the yield curve will be when the Fed shifts from its current hawkish stance to a more neutral position,” Nizard said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

But could the unprecedented decision to cancel Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension for the United States' World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium be the tipping point?

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

The tipping point came in Berlin, in November 1989, when the East German government gave in to pressure to ease travel across the Berlin Wall.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin