impasse

[ im-pas, im-pas ]

noun

1. a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock.

   Synonyms: dead end, standoff, standstill, stalemate

2. a road or way that has no outlet; cul-de-sac.

impasse

/ ˈæmpɑːs; ɪmˈpɑːs; æmˈpɑːs; ˈɪmpɑːs /

noun

1. a situation in which progress is blocked; an insurmountable difficulty; stalemate; deadlock

Word History and Origins

Origin of impasse¹

1850–55; < French, equivalent to im- im- ² + -passe, stem of passer to pass

Word History and Origins

Origin of impasse¹

C19: from French; see im- , pass

Example Sentences

Reforming the social care system in England is "urgent", cabinet minister Louise Haigh has said, after sources told the BBC there was a "genuine impasse" at the top of government over the issue.

From BBC

The gaps hint that a critical flash point of America’s political impasse may be misunderstood.

From Salon

What makes the impasse especially affecting is how Jelks and Holland subtly evoke how alike yet different two closely connected men with brutal pasts can be.

From Los Angeles Times

But a ubiquitous concern is that the American public's alarming refusal to find compromise with people who hold opposing political viewpoints has brought us to a dangerous impasse.

From Salon

The economy has essentially collapsed, and political impasse means the country has been without a president for almost two years.

From BBC

Related Words

• deadlock
• dilemma
• gridlock
• predicament
• standoff
• standstill