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
Towards the end of the season, the true breaking point for Paul is the point of no return.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 June 2025
It’s set in Bilbao-Zuria, in 2077, when climate disaster has reached a point of no return.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 6 June 2025
Melting sea ice and glaciers could soon reach a point of no return, with dramatic implications for sea level rise, scientists have warned.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
San Diego’s aging bayfront center, a portion of which dates to the late 1980s, is approaching the point of no return.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for point of no return
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.
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 June 2025
It’s set in Bilbao-Zuria, in 2077, when climate disaster has reached a point of no return.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 6 June 2025
Melting sea ice and glaciers could soon reach a point of no return, with dramatic implications for sea level rise, scientists have warned.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
San Diego’s aging bayfront center, a portion of which dates to the late 1980s, is approaching the point of no return.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share