stalemate

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/

Definition

A situation in which further action or progress by opposing parties is impossible because neither side can win or force a change.

Examples

• The peace talks reached a stalemate after both sides refused to compromise on the border dispute.

• A political stalemate in the legislature has prevented the new budget from being passed for months.

• The chess game ended in a stalemate when neither player could make a legal move to win.

How to Use stalemate

reach a stalemate (collocation)

to arrive at a point where no progress is possible — "The committee reached a stalemate after hours of debate."

end in a stalemate (collocation)

to finish with no clear winner or resolution — "The negotiations ended in a frustrating stalemate."

Synonyms of stalemate

Words with a similar meaning to stalemate:

• deadlock
• impasse
• standoff
• gridlock

Antonyms of stalemate

Words with the opposite meaning to stalemate:

• breakthrough
• progress

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary