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 of breaking point

• crisis
• crossroad(s)
• boiling point
• head
• flash point
• point of no return

Examples of breaking point in a Sentence

tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep in mind, there is a breaking point. — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Three of the Netherlands’ four goals came from this method, as Gakpo, Dumfries and Summerville stretched the Swedish defence to breaking point and opened up additional space in the middle. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Now, the already fragile relationship between the president and Senate Republicans is near a breaking point. — David Hickey, NBC news, 18 June 2026

Running from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Mexico’s Gulf of California, the Colorado River is being pushed to the breaking point by years of drought and overuse. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for breaking point

• counterpoint
• disappoint
• multipoint
• needlepoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint

Medical Definition

breaking point

noun

: the point at which a person gives way under stress