deadlock

noun
UK: /ˈded.lɒk/
US: /ˈded.lɑːk/

  1. A situation where progress is impossible, like a disagreement where no one will compromise.

    1. The talks reached a deadlock, so no agreement was made.
    2. Negotiations are at a deadlock because neither side will concede ground.

  2. A situation, typically involving opposing parties, in which no progress can be made.

    1. The vote resulted in a deadlock, with both sides having equal votes.
    2. The project reached a deadlock when funding was unexpectedly cut short.

Synonyms

stalemate impasse standstill gridlock
deadlock verb

  1. To reach a point where no progress is possible.

    1. The project deadlocked because they argued a lot.
    2. Negotiations deadlocked after the first week without any agreements.

  2. To bring to a standstill; to cause to be in a state of deadlock.

    1. The arguments deadlocked the committee's progress for weeks.
    2. Disagreements about funding threaten to deadlock the entire initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "deadlock" in English means: A situation where progress is impossible, like a disagreement where no one will compromise., A situation, typically involving opposing parties, in which no progress can be made..

The phonetic transcription of "deadlock" is /ˈded.lɒk/ in British English and /ˈded.lɑːk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "deadlock": stalemate, impasse, standstill, gridlock.

Example usage of "deadlock": "The talks reached a deadlock, so no agreement was made.". More examples on the page.