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
Examples of breaking point in a Sentence
tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
Homelessness in California—and across America—has reached a breaking point.
—
Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The tension first reached a breaking point years earlier when her sister severed ties with their dad’s extended family.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Nearing a breaking point, Linda’s caseload includes a super-depressed new mother (Danielle Macdonald) while her relationship with her own therapist (a surprisingly serious Conan O’Brien) becomes uncomfortably complicated.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
Losing to Pitt at home was the breaking point — though, frankly, the Panthers look like a new team since inserting Mason Heintschel at quarterback.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breaking point
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.
Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The tension first reached a breaking point years earlier when her sister severed ties with their dad’s extended family.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Nearing a breaking point, Linda’s caseload includes a super-depressed new mother (Danielle Macdonald) while her relationship with her own therapist (a surprisingly serious Conan O’Brien) becomes uncomfortably complicated.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
Losing to Pitt at home was the breaking point — though, frankly, the Panthers look like a new team since inserting Mason Heintschel at quarterback.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breaking point
Cite this Entry
“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20point. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share