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

• 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

If the Trump administration continues to create a sense of uncertainty about the U.S. security guarantee to South Korea, for example, leaders in Seoul could reach a breaking point. —Florence Gaub, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Plans from earlier this month will hit a breaking point. —Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025

Things reached a breaking point during a baking session in her kitchen. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 June 2025

Israeli military assaults on the Gaza Strip’s hospitals have ramped up in recent weeks to the highest level so far this year, bringing a health system already weakened by 19 months of war to a breaking point. —Nick Duffy, NBC news, 15 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, 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