sticking point

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.

sticking point

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sticking point¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

But given that algorithm is set to be retrained on US user data, Ms Chickering said TikTok's recommendation engine was likely to feel different to users - and that could be a "sticking point."

From BBC

A sticking point in negotiations appears to have been over who will own the powerful algorithm that pushes content to TikTok's 170 million American users.

From BBC

Agriculture and dairy, in particular, are key sticking points.

From BBC

They are only a sticking point for would-be kings and despots who successfully deceive and subjugate the masses.

From Salon

Curbs on the use of generative AI became a sticking point in the historic 2023 strikes by actors and writers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• warning