impasse — a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪmpæs/
Example Sentences
- The divorce talks hit an impasse when they couldn't agree on who gets the cat.
- Climate change negotiations often reach an impasse due to conflicting national interests.
- My diet reached an impasse when I discovered chocolate cake in the fridge.
impasse
NOUN[/ˈɪmpæs/]
a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
Complete deadlock, no progress possible
I'm stuck at this pass — total impasse!
When the class hits an impasse, no one can pass!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'impasse', formed by the prefix 'im-' (not, in-) combined with 'passe' meaning 'passage' or 'pass'. The word literally means 'impassable' and was adopted into English in the 19th century to describe a deadlocked situation.
Breakdown
im- (not, unable) + passe (passage, pass) = impasse (a passage that cannot be passed; a deadlock)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The divorce talks hit an impasse when they couldn't agree on who gets the cat.”
“Climate change negotiations often reach an impasse due to conflicting national interests.”
“My diet reached an impasse when I discovered chocolate cake in the fridge.”
“The peace talks have been at an impasse for months with no sign of progress.”
📚Related Words
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