dead end

¹

noun

1. something, as a street or water pipe, that has no exit.
2. a position that offers no hope of progress; blind alley; cul-de-sac:

   His theory led him to a dead end.

dead-end

²

[ ded-end ]

adjective

1. terminating in a dead end:

   a dead-end street.

2. Also dead-ended. having no possibility for or hope of progress, advancement, etc.:

   a low-level, dead-end job.

3. leading a life in the slums:

   growing up as a tough dead-end kid.

verb (used without object)

1. to come to a dead end:

   The road dead-ends at the lake.

dead end

noun

1. another name for cul-de-sac
2. a situation in which further progress is impossible
3. dead-end ( as modifier )

   a dead-end street

   a dead-end job

verb

1. intr to come to a dead end

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead end¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Origin of dead end²

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Instead, it's more about working hard while understanding that reaching your goals takes time, and it's important to stay tuned into what others are looking for so that you're not hustling toward a dead end.

From Salon

I initially faced dead end after dead end.

From BBC

They chased down leads but hit dead ends, and eventually the case turned cold.

From Los Angeles Times

"Opera and classical music as a whole seemed to hit a kind of dead end with music that was too academic and not able to strike a chord emotionally or intellectually," he told Salon.

From Salon

If you encounter a cliff, for instance, it’s likely not a dead end.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blocked
• closed