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

A study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies last year found that finances were a significant sticking point for young adults leaving home, with rising housing costs fuelling the trend.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The key sticking point, officials said, was nuclear.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Vice President JD Vance said the central sticking point was Iran’s insistence on maintaining its nuclear program.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The effective blockage of the lane has disrupted supplies of other key commodities too, like fertilizers, and has been a major sticking point in resolution efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 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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