Stalemate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where progress is impossible and both parties are stuck, especially in chess or negotiations.

• The negotiations ended in a stalemate
• Neither side was willing to compromise

Appropriate for describing situations where discussions or processes can't move forward due to a complete lack of agreement.

• The trade talks have reached a deadlock
• No one knows how to get past it

Suitable for conflicts or situations where two parties face off against each other without making progress, often with a tense atmosphere.

• The police and the protesters are in a standoff
• Neither side is backing down

Best for situations where no progress is possible because the parties involved cannot agree.

• The two companies have hit an impasse in their merger discussions

Used in situations, especially in games like chess or discussions, where progress is impossible due to equally strong opposing forces.

• The negotiation reached a stalemate, with neither side willing to compromise
• The chess game ended in a stalemate

Commonly used to describe a severe traffic jam where vehicles are unable to move, often in urban settings. Can also apply metaphorically to political situations.

• The city's downtown is notorious for its gridlock during rush hour
• Congressional gridlock has stalled the passing of important legislation

Used to describe a sudden stop in movement or progress, often as a command or due to an obstacle.

• The sudden power outage brought production to a halt
• The coach's whistle brought the game to a halt

Typically refers to a physical obstruction that prevents movement or flow, such as in pipes or traffic.

• The blockage in the arterial road caused a massive traffic jam
• The plumber worked to remove the blockage from the kitchen sink