deadlock
noun
a state in which progress is impossible, as in a dispute, produced by the counteraction of opposing forces; standstill; stalemate.
have deadlocked
-
present perfectof deadlock.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.
Representatives of the seven states have deadlocked in negotiations on a long-term plan for cutting water use.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026
But those talks have deadlocked because the railroads refuse to consider adding paid sick time to what was already offered.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2022
Contract negotiations between those railroads and unions representing 115,000 of their workers have deadlocked after more than two years.
From Reuters ● Jul. 13, 2022
Proposals for a longer-term debt-relief program known as the Common Framework have deadlocked.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 19, 2022
The bilateral negotiations have deadlocked because the North ramped up its tactic of giving priority to its calls for the lifting of sanctions and security guarantees for its regime while delaying denuclearization.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 29, 2018
