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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prince William and Prince Harry‘s current relationship may have reached a point of no return, but one particular heartfelt moment from their past has been making the rounds again. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Sep. 2025 What happened to communicating and working as a team before escalating the situation to a potential point of no return? Essence, 2 Sep. 2025 Many believe things have past the point of no return and that things can only be rectified by each side going its separate way. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 This must have gone beyond the point of no return. Phil Hay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for point of no return

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of point of no return was in 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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