point of no return
noun phrase
1
: the point in the flight of an aircraft beyond which the remaining fuel will be insufficient for a return to the starting point with the result that the craft must proceed
2
: a critical point at which turning back or reversal is not possible
Examples of point of no return in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, with federal finances quickly approaching a point of no return, responsible governance means looking for prudent solutions.
—
David Ditch, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024
And Sherbro Island used to historically be the point of no return in the slave trade.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024
Similarly, Washington might formally accept Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes only after Tehran has reached the point of no return in its nuclear weapons program.
—Robert Malley, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2010
In hindsight, her decision to back the filibuster over passing a voting rights bill in January 2022 may have marked the political point of no return for Sinema.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024
The relationship hit the point of no return when Wilson was benched late in the 2023 season.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2024
While Sean Payton has maintained no final decision has been made on the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback's future, the two sides might have reached a point of no return after Wilson's benching.
—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024
Wow reached a point of no return and knew something had to change after collapsing on stage one night while touring with Chris Brown.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2024
Pruning your rose is a definite plus, but beware the point of no return.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2024
David Ditch, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024
And Sherbro Island used to historically be the point of no return in the slave trade.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024
Similarly, Washington might formally accept Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes only after Tehran has reached the point of no return in its nuclear weapons program.
—Robert Malley, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2010
In hindsight, her decision to back the filibuster over passing a voting rights bill in January 2022 may have marked the political point of no return for Sinema.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024
The relationship hit the point of no return when Wilson was benched late in the 2023 season.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2024
While Sean Payton has maintained no final decision has been made on the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback's future, the two sides might have reached a point of no return after Wilson's benching.
—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024
Wow reached a point of no return and knew something had to change after collapsing on stage one night while touring with Chris Brown.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2024
Pruning your rose is a definite plus, but beware the point of no return.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'point of no return.' 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 point of no return
Cite this Entry
“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
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