point of no return

noun phrase

1
: the point in the flight of an aircraft beyond which the remaining fuel will be insufficient for a return to the starting point with the result that the craft must proceed
2
: a critical point at which turning back or reversal is not possible

Examples of point of no return in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ellie is now at the point of no return, and has committed far more heinous acts than Abby’s vengeful murder. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 The theory suggests a peculiar process occurs near the event horizon — the point of no return — around black holes. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 May 2025 The closer the spacecraft gets to its point of no return (its first contact with sufficiently thick air to hit the brakes on its orbital velocity), the more certain the forecasts will become. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 May 2025 And because of that unknown, the Canucks are going to listen to outside expressions of interest in case the situation reaches a point of no return. Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for point of no return

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of point of no return was in 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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