tipping point

noun

1. the point at which an issue, idea, product, etc., crosses a certain threshhold and gains significant momentum, triggered by some minor factor or change.
2. the point in a situation at which a minor development precipitates a crisis:

   Every infected person brings us closer to the tipping point, when the outbreak becomes an epidemic.

3. Physics. the point at which an object is no longer balanced, and adding a small amount of weight can cause it to topple.

tipping point

/ ˈtɪpɪŋ /

noun

1. the crisis stage in a process, when a significant change takes place

Word History and Origins

Origin of tipping point¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

We have reached a tipping point where mega donors completely dominate the landscape.

From The Daily Beast

Your death is a tragic bookend to a year touted as the “transgender tipping point.”

From The Daily Beast

We have reached a tipping point in the culture where Americans are now trained to look to the rules instead of their own judgment.

From The Daily Beast

I agree with you, but the youthful energy in the libertarian movement foresees a tipping point.

From The Daily Beast

There is a feeling in the air that Pankisi is about to reach its tipping point.

From The Daily Beast