tipping point

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

/ ˈtɪpɪŋ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tipping point¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

"Having that extra financial barrier might be the tipping point for them to not continue their studies or even come to Trinity Laban in the first place," she says.

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That tipping point is different for each person, and depends on the amount of stress you’re willing to endure as a guest, in addition to your own disposable income.

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Prof Bailey said 18C is the body's tipping point - below that and the body has to work hard to maintain its core temperature.

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Scientists say ongoing deforestation, combined with the effects of climate change, is already driving the Amazon towards a potential "tipping point" – a threshold beyond which the rainforest can no longer sustain itself.

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They found that a full week of complete submergence during the plant's growth cycle is the critical tipping point.

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