Impasse - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An impasse is a situation where no progress is possible, often due to a disagreement or deadlock. It describes a standstill where opposing parties cannot reach an agreement.
Definition:
A situation with no progress or solution, often due to disagreement.
Synonyms:
deadlock, stalemate, standstill
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
breakthrough, solution
Common Collocations:
reach an impasse, break the impasse, political impasse
Derivatives:
impassable, impassibility
Usage Tips:
Use "impasse" to describe a blocked negotiation or unresolved conflict where no side can proceed.
Common Phrases:
at an impasse, break the impasse
Etymology:
From French "impasser," meaning "to block," derived from Latin "in-" (not) + "passus" (step).
Examples:
- 1. The negotiations reached an impasse after hours of debate.
- 2. They couldn't agree and found themselves at an impasse.
- 3. The strike led to a complete impasse in talks.
- 4. Breaking the impasse required compromise from both sides.