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
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
Companies that prepare ahead of time will be rewarded; those that don’t risk being forced to change only once the crisis gets to a breaking point.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Our city is at a breaking point in the addiction crisis.
—Erin Murphy, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
The Havana Syndrome affair marked a breaking point in U.S. relations with Cuba.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breaking point
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Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Companies that prepare ahead of time will be rewarded; those that don’t risk being forced to change only once the crisis gets to a breaking point.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Our city is at a breaking point in the addiction crisis.
—Erin Murphy, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
The Havana Syndrome affair marked a breaking point in U.S. relations with Cuba.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 1 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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