breaking point

noun

1

: the point at which a person gives way under stress

2

: the point at which a situation becomes critical

3

: the point at which something loses force or validity

stretch the rules to the breaking point

Synonyms

• boiling point
• clutch
• conjuncture
• crisis
• crossroad(s)
• crunch
• crunch time
• Dunkirk
• emergency
• exigency
• extremity
• flash point
• head
• juncture
• tinderbox
• zero hour

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point

Recent Examples on the Web

Inflation finally pushed Mark Hawkes to a breaking point. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024

But the truth is, the company was probably always going to reach a breaking point. —Vox Staff, Vox, 8 May 2024

But while these types of injuries have always been common among MLB pitchers, evidence shows that the number of pitching injuries has been steadily rising over the past few years — and seems to have reached a breaking point as the 2024 season has gotten underway. —Justin Klawans, theweek, 1 May 2024

For others, waiting for a production to finally ramp up while juggling side hustles to make ends meet is bringing them to a breaking point. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun

: the point at which a person gives way under stress