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Tipping point

UK //ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt// US //ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt// Pronunciation

Definition

The critical moment when an event or situation begins to change significantly.

Listen to definition

In simple words: The moment when something changes completely.

Examples

• The scientist identified the tipping point in climate change.
• For her career, moving to New York was a tipping point.
• The community reached a tipping point with rising crime rates.
• The tipping point of the debate came when new evidence was presented.
• After months of planning, they finally reached a tipping point in negotiations.

Usage notes

Commonly used in discussions about social change, economics, or personal decisions. More casual than formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine a full cup of water - tipping it over causes a spill.

Collocations

• reach a tipping point
• be at a tipping point
• hit a tipping point

Synonyms

• crucial moment
• decisive point
• turning point
• watershed
• breakthrough

Common mistakes

• Used 'tipping point' for every type of change, instead of significant changes.
• Confused with 'turning point', which has a slightly different meaning.
• Overused in casual conversation where a more straightforward term would be better.