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
Examples of breaking point in a Sentence
tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
The Black hair salon landscape has hit a breaking point for both clients and stylists.
—
Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Price hikes in the category may be near their breaking point, the survey indicates: Just over one-third (36%) of those surveyed said the content available on streaming video services is not worth the price.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024
What appeared different this time, experts said, were the new pressures at play, particularly on Israel, with Washington’s impatience with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearing a breaking point just as domestic anger in Israel is surging.
—Claire Parker, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
The breaking point came when the center’s outreach coordinator went outside to take photos of the dogs playing and the pigeon landed on her head.
—Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
By Thursday, Biden’s frustrations had reached a breaking point.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2024
Across the Bay Area, overwhelmed mental health workers are reaching a breaking point.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
This was a breaking point for many fans who had already begun to move away from the artist because of his antisemitic remarks.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2024
In my view, the conditions unfolding in Israel and Gaza are beginning to reach a breaking point, similar to the conditions in South Africa that formed prior to apartheid’s defeat.
—Benjamin Case, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024
Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Price hikes in the category may be near their breaking point, the survey indicates: Just over one-third (36%) of those surveyed said the content available on streaming video services is not worth the price.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024
What appeared different this time, experts said, were the new pressures at play, particularly on Israel, with Washington’s impatience with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearing a breaking point just as domestic anger in Israel is surging.
—Claire Parker, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
The breaking point came when the center’s outreach coordinator went outside to take photos of the dogs playing and the pigeon landed on her head.
—Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
By Thursday, Biden’s frustrations had reached a breaking point.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2024
Across the Bay Area, overwhelmed mental health workers are reaching a breaking point.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
This was a breaking point for many fans who had already begun to move away from the artist because of his antisemitic remarks.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2024
In my view, the conditions unfolding in Israel and Gaza are beginning to reach a breaking point, similar to the conditions in South Africa that formed prior to apartheid’s defeat.
—Benjamin Case, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breaking point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near breaking point
Cite this Entry
“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20point. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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