sticking point

American  

noun

1. a point, detail, or circumstance causing or likely to cause a stalemate or impasse.

   The bill would have gone through the Senate quickly but for one sticking point.

2. sticking place.

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sticking point British  

noun

1. a problem or point on which agreement cannot be reached, preventing progress from being made

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Etymology

Origin of sticking point

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

It didn’t matter that “Cars” was the studio’s worst-received film to date, or that its worldbuilding was so nonsensical it would become a sticking point for viewers over the next 20 years.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Meanwhile, oil prices broke a three-session streak of gains after Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire, potentially addressing what had become a sticking point in U.S-Iran talks to end the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point in negotiations, with fears growing that the global economy will be hit hard as pre-war oil stockpiles are depleted.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

That was a major sticking point with members, some of whom couldn’t qualify for benefits as their contributions were split between two plans.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

But there was one major sticking point: They didn't have enough money to buy gas for the car ride home.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

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