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

If you signed the contract, you already reached the point of no return.

Examples of point of no return in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My family had the same set for at least 20 years before the screws loosened past the point of no return. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

The Chargers dropped to 0-4, likely crossing the point of no return. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

That confrontation seemingly serves as a point of no return for Ellen, cementing the rift between her and Colum. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

The situation may or may not be beyond the point of no return. — Tom Carpenter, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for point of no return

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• sunburn
• unworn
• upturn