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.

Though this white dwarf is virtually at the point of no return in terms of its proximity to the supermassive black hole, the MIT team doesn't think that this dead star will fall into the black hole anytime soon. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025 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 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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