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Deadlock Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deadlock

[ˈdɛdlɒk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer science

A situation in which two or more competing actions are each waiting for the other to finish, preventing any progress from being made. Deadlocks can occur in various computing environments such as databases, operating systems, and networks.

Synonyms

impasse, stalemate, standstill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deadlock

Used to describe a situation where two opposing sides are unable to make progress or reach an agreement, often implying a conflict that could be resolved with negotiation.

  • Negotiations reached a deadlock after neither side was willing to compromise.
  • The debate ended in a deadlock, with no solution in sight.
standstill

Used to describe a situation where everything has come to a complete stop, often due to an external factor or disruption rather than internal conflict.

  • The traffic came to a standstill due to the accident on the highway.
  • The production line is at a standstill because of the machine breakdown.
impasse

Refers to a situation where progress is impossible due to disagreement or a lack of feasible solutions, often used in formal or critical contexts.

  • We have reached an impasse in our discussions and need to rethink our approach.
  • The project came to an impasse due to budget constraints.
stalemate

Commonly used in chess to refer to a situation where no moves are possible without putting the king in check, it can also describe any situation where no progress can be made, often in strategic or competitive contexts.

  • The negotiations have resulted in a stalemate, with neither party willing to budge.
  • The game ended in a stalemate, with both teams evenly matched.

Examples of usage

  • The deadlock in the database prevented any further updates from being processed.
  • The deadlock in the operating system caused the system to freeze.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A situation in which no progress can be made because of a disagreement or stalemate between two opposing parties or individuals.

Synonyms

dead end, gridlock, logjam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deadlock

Deadlock is used when two parties or groups cannot move forward due to a complete standstill that results from opposing views or actions. This is common in negotiations, decision-making processes, or competitions.

  • The negotiations between the two countries have reached a deadlock.
  • The jury was in a deadlock because they couldn't agree on a verdict.
gridlock

Gridlock refers to complete traffic congestion where vehicles can't move in any direction. It is commonly used in urban settings related to traffic jams.

  • The city center always experiences gridlock during rush hour.
  • An accident on the freeway has caused gridlock for miles.
dead end

Dead end describes a situation where no progress can be made, and there is no potential for advancement. It is often used in contexts like careers, projects, or physical roads.

  • After five years in the job, she felt she was at a dead end.
  • Turn back the car, we’ve hit a dead end street.
logjam

Logjam is used for situations where progress is hindered by a large amount of work or problems that have piled up. It can be applied to legislative processes, office workloads, or logistical issues.

  • The new policies aim to break the legislative logjam in Congress.
  • There is a logjam of paperwork on my desk that needs to be addressed.

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither party was willing to compromise.
  • The deadlock between the two countries led to a diplomatic crisis.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Conflict Resolution

  • Deadlocks often occur in negotiations when both parties have strong opposing views and refuse to compromise.
  • In legal contexts, a deadlock may happen in jury decisions when members cannot reach a unanimous agreement, delaying the case.

Technology

  • In computer programming, a deadlock can happen when two processes are waiting for each other to release resources, causing a halt in operations.
  • Programmers often design systems to avoid deadlocks by implementing resource allocation strategies.

Game Theory

  • Deadlocks are often analyzed in game theory, where players may reach a stalemate after making moves that counter each other.
  • The concept highlights decision-making strategies where mutual cooperation may lead to better outcomes than individual interests.

Origin of 'deadlock'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'deadlock' originated in the early 17th century, combining 'dead' (no movement) and 'lock' (a device that keeps something secure).
  • In chess, 'deadlock' can refer to a stalemate where neither player can win, illustrating the strategic nature of the word.

The term 'deadlock' originated in the 19th century, combining 'dead' (meaning complete, absolute) and 'lock' (to fasten or secure). It was initially used in the context of physical objects being securely fastened, and later evolved to describe situations where progress is completely halted due to a deadlock or impasse.

See also: dead, deadbeat, deaden, deadline, deadliness, deadly, deadness, deadpan, undead.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,733, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.