noun

impasse

impasse, deadlock, stalemate

The negotiations have reached an impasse.

The negotiations have reached an impasse.

They were at an impasse over the budget.

They were at an impasse over the budget.

to reach an impasse The negotiations reached an impasse.

to be at an impasse They were at an impasse.

Synonyms: deadlock, stalemate, standstill

From French, from 'in-' (not) + 'passer' (to pass). A situation where one cannot pass or make progress.

Imagine a road that is 'impossible to pass'. That's an impasse, a situation with no way forward.

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