critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result

the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The New York City Council is considering a new bill to address the city's backlog of emergency calls as some say the situation has reached critical mass. — Ali Bauman, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The effort seemed to reach a critical mass of support after Hegseth presented Capers with Fox Nation’s Salute to Service Award in front of a large national audience in November. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

There is no doubt, however, that transfers in high school football have reached critical mass. — John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

At least not in a reliable direction supported by the critical mass of voters who elected him. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for critical mass

• bermudagrass
• ecclesiastes
• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass