sticking point

American  

noun

1. 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.

2. sticking place.

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sticking point British  

noun

1. a problem or point on which agreement cannot be reached, preventing progress from being made

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Etymology

Origin of sticking point

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sticking point

“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

But a nearly $11 billion bank deal last year has an added sticking point: chili recipes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

Glass is seen as the main sticking point because including it makes the scheme significantly more complex and expensive, requiring dedicated collection infrastructure and more costly reverse vending machines.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

Another sticking point for Salesforce investors is the company’s lackluster organic growth.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 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

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