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

It didn’t matter that “Cars” was the studio’s worst-received film to date, or that its worldbuilding was so nonsensical it would become a sticking point for viewers over the next 20 years.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

But perhaps the biggest sticking point is FIFA’s demand for workers’ sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and fingerprints, to process background checks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

A sticking point for investors: Would Abel start to put some of Berkshire’s trove of cash to work?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The issue of Japan apologising for wartime atrocities has long been a sticking point in the two countries' relations, with China in the past criticising some of the apologies as insufficient.

From BBC • May 31, 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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