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 Triple-digits hot, even occasionally, still, passing that 110-degree point of no return. —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2024 Hope, however, is increasingly distraught, whipping up her anger to a point of no return. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024 There is a fine line within the collapsing region that divides the area where escape is possible from the point of no return. —

Ahmed Almheiri, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2022 But what happens when the conflict has gone too far and has reached a point of no return? —

Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for point of no return

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'point of no return.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Sep. 2024.

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