deadlock
noun
a state in which progress is impossible, as in a dispute, produced by the counteraction of opposing forces; standstill; stalemate.
has deadlocked
-
present perfectof deadlock (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Around 60 nations are attending a world-first conference in Colombia to tackle an issue that has deadlocked the UN climate talks -- how to exit the fossil fuels that cause global warming.
From Barron's ● Apr. 27, 2026
Since its inception, the commission has deadlocked 8-to-8 on nearly every vote, on everything from procedural rules to the designs of potential maps.
From New York Times ● Nov. 17, 2021
Since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February, the court has deadlocked 4-4 on four cases, including a few big ones.
From New York Times ● Jul. 3, 2016
The Supreme Court has deadlocked 4 to 4 in several cases since Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in February.
From MSNBC ● May 27, 2016
It was the third time the court has deadlocked 4 to 4 since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 19, 2016
