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
No one wins when the family feuds as Jackie and Chantel reach their breaking point.
—
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 24 July 2025
But excessive borrowing and speculation brought the sector to a breaking point.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
The negative emotionality is over a long period of time to get them to a breaking point to act out.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 20 July 2025
And because historical intervals for major earthquakes in that area occur at an average of 100 to 200 years, stress between the plates was assumed to be nearing its breaking point.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for breaking point
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.
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 24 July 2025
But excessive borrowing and speculation brought the sector to a breaking point.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
The negative emotionality is over a long period of time to get them to a breaking point to act out.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 20 July 2025
And because historical intervals for major earthquakes in that area occur at an average of 100 to 200 years, stress between the plates was assumed to be nearing its breaking point.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 9 July 2025
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 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share