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Impasse: meaning, definitions and examples

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impasse

 

[ ˈɪmpæs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a negotiation

A situation in which no progress can be made; a deadlock or stalemate.

Synonyms

deadlock, gridlock, stalemate, standstill

Examples of usage

  • The talks reached an impasse when neither party was willing to compromise.
  • We have been at an impasse for weeks now, unable to reach a resolution.
Context #2 | Noun

in a decision-making process

A situation in which no progress can be made due to disagreement or inability to make a decision.

Synonyms

deadlock, gridlock, stalemate, standoff

Examples of usage

  • The committee has come to an impasse on the issue of funding.
  • The impasse in the boardroom led to delays in the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "impasse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beco sem saída

🇮🇳 अवरोध

🇩🇪 Sackgasse

🇮🇩 jalan buntu

🇺🇦 глухий кут

🇵🇱 ślepa uliczka

🇯🇵 行き止まり

🇫🇷 impasse

🇪🇸 callejón sin salida

🇹🇷 çıkmaz sokak

🇰🇷 막다른 길

🇸🇦 طريق مسدود

🇨🇿 slepá ulička

🇸🇰 slepá ulička

🇨🇳 死胡同

🇸🇮 slepa ulica

🇮🇸 botnlangi

🇰🇿 тұйық көше

🇬🇪 ჩიხი

🇦🇿 çıxılmaz vəziyyət

🇲🇽 callejón sin salida

Etymology

The word 'impasse' originated in French, from the verb 'embarrasser' meaning 'to block, to obstruct'. It entered the English language in the late 19th century. The term has been used in various contexts to describe situations of deadlock, standstill, or gridlock where progress is hindered.

See also: bypass, impassable, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,930, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.