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
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.
The lake may have reached a point of no return. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 So, where was the point of no return? Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 Prince William and Prince Harry‘s current relationship may have reached a point of no return, but one particular heartfelt moment from their past has been making the rounds again. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Sep. 2025 What happened to communicating and working as a team before escalating the situation to a potential point of no return? Essence, 2 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Point of no return.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20no%20return. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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