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.

This means that when a hub reaches critical mass it can survive policy errors that would cripple a challenger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

"And therefore, because there's no critical mass, they are really not part of the core of this small start-up village. And therefore, in my opinion we need to create critical mass."

From BBC • Dec. 7, 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

“What is less obvious is whether that will create the critical mass necessary to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of sports betting in the states that have yet to authorize it.”

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

But I’m done, because my walking fever has reached a critical mass.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

critical mass

Example Sentences

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