impasse
Translation
impasse, deadlock, stalemate
Examples
The negotiations have reached an impasse.
The negotiations have reached an impasse.
They were at an impasse over the final details.
They were at an impasse over the final details.
Grammar Patterns
to reach an impasse to get to a point where no progress can be made The negotiations have reached an impasse.
to be at an impasse to be in a situation where no progress can be made They were at an impasse over the final details.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deadlock, stalemate, standstill
Etymology
From French 'impasse', from 'in-' (not) + 'passer' (to pass). It literally means a place one cannot pass through.
Memory Tips
Imagine you are trying to 'pass' through a street, but you can't. It's an 'im-passe', a situation where there is no way through.