sticking point
Americannoun
-
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.
noun
Etymology
Origin of sticking point
First recorded in 1820–30
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.
Another sticking point with the 'one club' approach is the home venue.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
“The sticking point is around having very clear terms about who owns the data, what happens with the data once they collect it,” said Gialamas.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
On Sunday, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said his country was solely responsible for managing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway that has become a main sticking point in the conflict.
From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026
Others point out that the movement is more moderate than conservative, considering that its proponents endorse women’s ordination, a sticking point for many traditional Protestants.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
