impasse

American  

[im-pas, im-pas] / ˈɪm pæs, ɪmˈpæs /

noun

1. a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock.

   Synonyms:

   dead end, standoff, standstill, stalemate

2. a road or way that has no outlet; cul-de-sac.

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impasse British  

/ ˈæmpɑːs, ɪmˈpɑːs, æmˈpɑːs, ˈɪmpɑːs /

noun

1. a situation in which progress is blocked; an insurmountable difficulty; stalemate; deadlock

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Etymology

Origin of impasse

1850–55; < French, equivalent to im- im- ² + -passe, stem of passer to pass

Example Sentences

In 2020, Block Communications unilaterally declared an impasse in negotiations and rescinded the existing contract, forcing employees to switch to a far more expensive health plan.

From MarketWatch

The state’s leader recently urged Modi to quickly resolve the impasse with the U.S., noting that ground lost to places like Vietnam and Cambodia won’t be easily regained.

From The Wall Street Journal

The impasse meant there was one big question hanging over this second parliamentary election of the year.

From BBC

Several attempts have already been made to break the impasse, but to no avail.

From The Wall Street Journal

Efforts by the United Nations and outside powers to break a political impasse and unify the country have stalled for years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deadlock
• dilemma
• gridlock
• predicament
• standoff
• standstill