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

Scientists say every tenth of a degree over 1.5C magnifies dangerous and costly impacts -- such as drought, heat, fire and floods -- while increasing the risks of passing large-scale tipping points.

Read more on Barron's

“At the moment, no country has reached the tipping point, in part because the ECB is there in the background,” said Rahman.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Together, these factors paint a picture of softening growth and fading inflationary pressures outside of tariffs, a mix that supports additional easing as the labor market sits uncomfortably close to a tipping point.

Read more on MarketWatch

“That sense of urgency isn’t there anymore and yet the urgency is even more real because people are at the tipping point on deciding whether to build or rebuild — they’re at a critical decision-making point.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The pressure reached a tipping point Wednesday, when the Dodgers announced a notable shake-up to their lineup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times