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.

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tipping point British  

/ ˈtɪpɪŋ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of tipping point

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tipping point

The monal, researchers say, can be seen as a stand-in for the health of a fragile Himalayan ecosystem pushed to a tipping point due to unregulated tourism and heavy urbanisation.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

The bond market reached a tipping point this week when the 10-year U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

However, the rise has yet to reach a tipping point, he added.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026

"When pesticides accumulate to the extent that the queen bee has eggs that are so loaded they may no longer develop properly, there could be a tipping point," Nicklisch said.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026

As in: If we get one C on our report cards, I’m afraid Mom will reach her tipping point and that will be the end of basketball.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander