impasse

Definitions

A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.

A predicament affording no obvious escape; a blind alley.

Examples

The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise on the budget.

After hours of debate, the committee found itself at an impasse regarding the new policy.

They managed to break the diplomatic impasse through a series of private meetings.

Synonyms

deadlock stalemate gridlock standstill bottleneck dead end cul-de-sac

Antonyms

breakthrough progress solution agreement advance resolution opening