tipping point
Americannoun
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the point at which an issue, idea, product, etc., crosses a certain threshhold and gains significant momentum, triggered by some minor factor or change.
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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.
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Physics. the point at which an object is no longer balanced, and adding a small amount of weight can cause it to topple.
noun
Etymology
Origin of tipping point
First recorded in 1955–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When sentiment reaches extremes, it can sometimes signal that the market might be reaching a tipping point.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Councillors of all parties and backgrounds have reported a significant increase in the abuse they have faced both in person and online, with last week's English local elections a tipping point for many.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
“It really came to a tipping point when Gen. George was dismissed.”
From Salon • May 1, 2026
But there is optionality on the dry bulk market getting tighter, and then, eventually, a potential exponential increase in freight rates once it hits a tipping point.
From Barron's • Apr. 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
