critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result
the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass 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.
Unanimous consent needed The arguments on either side of the debate haven’t yet reached critical mass. Joseph Ataman, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Like the Internet back then, digital assets today exist mostly in liquidity islands that are isolated from each other by a variety of barriers: technical, regulatory, reputational and a lack of critical mass, among others. David Parker, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Russia would be able to accumulate a critical mass of capabilities and prepare for a new large-scale strike. Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025 If Valve is really interested in pushing its OS as an alternative to Windows gaming, a big exclusive game is just the thing to convince a critical mass of players to make the leap. Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for critical mass

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critical mass was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Critical mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20mass. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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