The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

deadlock

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deadlock

A state of impasse or stalemate where progress or decision-making becomes impossible due to a complete lack of movement or resolution.
"The negotiations reached a deadlock as neither party was willing to compromise."

Detailed meaning of deadlock

It describes a situation in which multiple parties or elements are unable to proceed forward, often resulting from conflicting interests, opposing positions, or a failure to reach a consensus. In a deadlock, all potential options or courses of action are effectively blocked, leading to a standstill or gridlock. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including politics, negotiations, business, and even computer programming, highlighting the inability to move forward or break the deadlock without external intervention or significant changes in circumstances. Resolving a deadlock typically requires compromise, facilitation, or the introduction of new factors to enable progress or decision-making to resume.

Example sentences containing deadlock

1. The dispute between the two countries has resulted in a political deadlock.
2. The board meeting ended in a deadlock as members couldn't agree on a course of action.
3. The deadlock in the assembly prevented any legislation from being passed.
4. Despite multiple rounds of talks, the labor union and management remained in a deadlock over contract negotiations.
5. The committee's decision-making process came to a deadlock due to conflicting opinions.
6. The court case has been in a deadlock for months, with no resolution in sight.

History and etymology of deadlock

The noun 'deadlock' has an etymology that evokes a sense of stagnation and unyielding conflict. It combines two words: 'dead,' which comes from Old English 'dead,' meaning 'dead' or 'lifeless,' and 'lock,' which is derived from Old English 'lucan,' meaning 'to fasten' or 'to close.' Together, 'deadlock' implies a situation where progress or decision-making has come to a complete standstill, much like a locked or closed door. It conveys the idea that opposing forces or interests have reached an impasse, rendering further movement or resolution impossible. The etymology of 'deadlock' aptly captures the essence of a situation where all avenues are closed, and any progress seems unattainable due to an insurmountable deadlock.

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Further usage examples of deadlock

1. The deadlock in the peace negotiations has prolonged the conflict in the region.
2. The team's inability to score led to a goalless deadlock in the soccer match.
3. The shareholders' meeting ended in a deadlock as shareholders were evenly split on the proposed merger.
4. The deadlock in the software development project halted progress until a solution was found.
5. The economic standoff between the two countries resulted in a trade deadlock, impacting businesses on both sides.
6. The negotiations reached a deadlock, with neither side willing to compromise.
7. The courtroom was in a tense deadlock as the jury struggled to reach a verdict.
8. The traffic jam resulted in a frustrating deadlock on the highway.
9. In chess, a deadlock occurs when neither player can make a legal move.
10. The company's board meeting ended in a financial deadlock.
11. The political debate hit a deadlock as neither candidate gained an advantage.
12. The labor strike led to a deadlock in production at the factory.
13. The peace talks between the warring nations faced a seemingly endless deadlock.
14. The students' council election ended in a surprising deadlock.
15. The stock market experienced a deadlock, causing uncertainty among investors.
16. The dispute over the property boundary led to a legal deadlock.
17. Negotiations between the union and management remained at a frustrating deadlock.
18. The international trade negotiations were at a critical deadlock.
19. The computer system froze, causing a frustrating deadlock in productivity.
20. The courtroom drama reached a dramatic deadlock with unexpected evidence.
21. The game of tug-of-war ended in a thrilling deadlock.
22. The standoff between the two rival gangs resulted in a dangerous deadlock.
23. The United Nations struggled to break the deadlock in the peace talks.
24. The deadlock in Congress prevented the passage of important legislation.
25. The sports match went into overtime due to a tense deadlock.