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

Investors have been trying to game out the tipping point at which the energy-price shock starts to have a bigger impact on unemployment and the economy.

From MarketWatch

“The debt limits, the tipping point, are probably lower for developing countries.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He said oil prices would have to rise to similarly high levels before a tipping point would be reached.

From MarketWatch

In golf-loving South Korea, the tipping point was reached almost a decade ago as 'screen golf' overtook 'field golf'.

From BBC

“We feel like we’re at a tipping point with consumers,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal