stalemate

noun
UK: /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/
US: /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/

  1. A situation in a game of chess where neither player can move to gain an advantage, resulting in a draw.

    1. The game ended in a stalemate.
    2. After a series of clever moves, the chess match reached a stalemate, with neither player able to checkmate the other.

  2. A situation in a conflict or dispute where no progress can be made and neither side can win.

    1. Negotiations reached a stalemate.
    2. The peace talks have reached a stalemate, with both sides refusing to compromise on key issues.

Synonyms

draw impasse tie standstill deadlock
stalemate verb

  1. To bring something to a standstill so that neither side can progress.

    1. The talks stalemated quickly.
    2. The construction project was stalemated by funding issues and regulatory delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "stalemate" in English means: A situation in a game of chess where neither player can move to gain an advantage, resulting in a draw., A situation in a conflict or dispute where no progress can be made and neither side can win..

The phonetic transcription of "stalemate" is /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ in British English and /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "stalemate": draw, impasse, tie, standstill, deadlock.

Example usage of "stalemate": "The game ended in a stalemate.". More examples on the page.