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
Windows is at breaking point, and Microsoft knows it.
—
Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh, in 18 years, won a Super Bowl, and the Ravens were perennially in the playoff picture, but his inability to beat a Steelers’ squad in a game in which his tight end dropped a two-point conversion, and his rookie kicker missed the game-winning field goal, was the breaking point.
—Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The breaking point of the Chiefs’ season came a week before they were eliminated from playoff contention, and a week before quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury that will now occupy his offseason.
—Sam McDowell 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
The Minneapolis Police Department is also at a breaking point.
—Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breaking point
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Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh, in 18 years, won a Super Bowl, and the Ravens were perennially in the playoff picture, but his inability to beat a Steelers’ squad in a game in which his tight end dropped a two-point conversion, and his rookie kicker missed the game-winning field goal, was the breaking point.
—Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The breaking point of the Chiefs’ season came a week before they were eliminated from playoff contention, and a week before quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury that will now occupy his offseason.
—Sam McDowell 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
The Minneapolis Police Department is also at a breaking point.
—Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
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 3 Feb. 2026.
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