point of no return

noun phrase

: 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

: 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.

The masts and sails of Galanin’s galleon evoke a decisive moment, symbolizing a point of no return, where past actions force a commitment to a new, uncertain future. —

Chadd Scott, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Is this just old grievances piling up to a point of no return? —

James Mirtle, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 Bananas takes his feud with Michele past the point of no return. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 The bond would fund the demolition of the 300 building, which has been sitting unused after a February hailstorm damaged the roof and created flood damage past the point of no return. —

Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Oct. 2024 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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