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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In some ways, Iran has already passed the point of no return. Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 The couple who actually may have reached the point of no return here is Greer and Tag. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 On top of that, Washington would be forced to make even harder decisions as Iran’s nuclear program reached the point of no return and recurrent Israeli calls for military action became louder and more resonant. Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 21 Sep. 2021 The latest record bleaching adds to growing evidence that reefs have already passed a point of no return at just 1.3 degrees of warming. Reuters, CNN, 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

Dictionary Entries Near point of no return

Cite this Entry

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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