impasse

UK /ˈæmpɑːs/ US /ˈɪmpæs/

noun 2

Definitions

noun

A road with no exit; a cul-de-sac.

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

“It seems to me the thing's an impasse. French expression,” I explained, “meaning that we're stymied good and proper with no hope of finding a formula.”

"Young man, this town is at a bit of an impasse. If you have any suggestion that might help, now would be the time to voice it."

Collocations

(noun.)

ADJ

diplomatic, legal, political

VERB + IMPASSE

reach

The two companies reached an impasse after months of disagreement over the contract terms.

break, end, overcome, resolve

PHRASES

a way out of an impasse

The two companies finally found a way out of the impasse by hiring an independent mediator.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

noun — a situation in which no progress can be made or no advanceme

deadlock
stalemate
standstill

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

“It seems to me the thing's an impasse. French expression,” I explained, “meaning that we're stymied good and proper with no hope of finding a formula.”

Wiktionary

"Young man, this town is at a bit of an impasse. If you have any suggestion that might help, now would be the time to voice it."

Wiktionary

The agreement, which falls short of the sprawling changes championed by Democrats, is a significant step toward ending a yearslong impasse over gun reform legislation.

Wiktionary

It is important that a lawyer should leave no stone unturned even on minor points and harp on the same subject to achieve a break through in an impasse.

Tatoeba · #320435

We had our priorities, they had their preferences, and we came to an impasse.

Tatoeba · #3500847

They have reached an impasse.

Tatoeba · #5344736

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, impasse is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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