critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result

the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least not in a reliable direction supported by the critical mass of voters who elected him. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

The market needs to reach roughly $1 billion to achieve the critical mass needed to deepen trading, according to Songwe. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

But the show provides an invaluable window into Black nerd culture, a critical mass that’s grown substantially over the past several years. — Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026

Once a critical mass of people is fully invested, there’s no turning back for anyone. — Robbie Morrison, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for critical mass

• bermudagrass
• ecclesiastes
• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass