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

Dozens of California school districts are in talks, with some already at an impasse or in mediation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The emptying of al-Hol ends a military and diplomatic impasse that long frustrated the U.S. and other world powers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection — the agencies that are central to the budget impasse — are likely to be the least affected.

From Los Angeles Times

Currently, if contract talks hit an impasse, the five county supervisors can, after a complex mediation process, impose a final offer.

From Los Angeles Times

With huge pressure on Stormont's public finances and an impasse over the multi-year budget, where this money would come from is far from settled.

From BBC

Related Words

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