stalemate
A situation where no progress can be made; deadlock
Examples
In a meeting
“Negotiations reached a stalemate over intellectual property rights.”
Over coffee
“Our apartment hunt is at a stalemate—we can't agree on neighborhoods.”
Why this word
deadlock
stalemate specifically implies neither side can win or make progress, while deadlock suggests inability to agree without the implication of balanced opposition
standoff
stalemate emphasizes a situation where no party can advance, while standoff focuses more on confrontation without the paralysis aspect
impasse
stalemate conveys mutual inability to prevail in a conflict, while impasse is any blocked situation without necessarily balanced opposing forces
Usage tip
Use when opposing forces are equally matched and unable to make progress
Etymology
Chess terminology — from obsolete 'stale' (standstill) + 'mate' (checkmate)
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation