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

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critical mass

Scientists need a critical mass of data to be able to identify statistically significant patterns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026

The situation came to a critical mass in 2024 when Musk sued OpenAI for diverging from its nonprofit mission.

From Slate ● Apr. 30, 2026

Participants at the Santa Marta meeting believe the real purpose of the meeting is to show those who are hesitating about the transition that there is a critical mass moving in favour of renewables.

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026

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

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

critical mass

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