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.
These points of no return are specific moments when the planet has warmed so much that certain effects become irreversible. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 Does that necessary point of no return feel especially relevant given the current situation the United States has gotten itself into? James Grebey, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025 The eco-group has set its sights on fighting policies contributing to a catastrophic global temperature increase of 3°C, which scientists have set as the point of no return. News Desk, Artforum, 31 Mar. 2025 Daniel Nugent-Bowman’s article at The Athletic early that month signaled things had reached a point of no return for Broberg. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on point of no return

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!