impasse

3 definitions • 5 examples

a situation in which progress is impossible, especially because the people involved cannot agree:

reach an impasse The dispute had reached an impasse, as neither side would compromise.

a point in a process at which further progress is blocked, esp. by disagreement:

We have reached an impasse in the negotiations -- neither side will budge.

a situation in which further development is impossible:

be at/remain at an impasse With negotiations at an impasse, analysts warn the uncertainty may harm supermarket stocks.

to declare/reach an impasse

to break/end/resolve an impasse