Cool Mate2K
Tipping point
UK //ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt//US //ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt//
Definition
The critical moment when an event or situation begins to change significantly.
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.