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

While ALS is one of the more complex neurodegenerative diseases, researchers are increasingly confident that anyone can develop the disease if they accumulate—or are exposed to—enough factors to reach a tipping point.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some economists worry that beyond a tipping point, the labor market could spiral toward further weakness if job losses drain consumer spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it was his firm’s design for Disney Hall that served as the professional tipping point.

From Los Angeles Times

"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.

From BBC

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.

From MarketWatch