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

The matter was a major sticking point in US-China trade negotiations, and last month, an internal memo from TikTok's CEO said an agreement had been reached on a new joint venture in the United States.

From Barron's

In November, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss key sticking points in the peace deal.

From BBC

Tariffs have been a key sticking point between the two sides.

From BBC

Certainly some sticking points for lenders have emerged from Washington early this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

The sticking points in the contract negotiations include proposed healthcare benefits, staffing standards and workplace-violence protections, according to the New York State Nurses Association.

From The Wall Street Journal

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