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Definitions

critical mass

[krit-i-kuhl mas] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈmæs /
NOUN
crucial point
Synonyms
WEAK
climax crisis crisis point critical juncture critical point critical stage crossroads crucial moment crunch time decisive moment defining moment do or die time emergency high noon irreversible momentum moment of truth pivotal point point of no return sink or swim time the Rubicon turning point zero hour

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Until the past decade, what was missing was the good jobs to keep a critical mass of that attractive workforce in the city.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Wood Mackenzie reckons the metals-intensive energy transition has, in the meantime, reached critical mass and will continue independently of political influences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

With such fragmentation, it’s much harder for a negative storyline to reach critical mass.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

And male monopolies on power tend to be self-perpetuating: Only when a critical mass of women run and win does it begin to feel possible that women can run for office and win.

From Slate • Nov. 22, 2025

Each of these phases is specialized and unique, and neither India nor China nor Russia has a critical mass of talent that can handle the whole product cycle for a big American multinational.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman