impasse
AM-pass
/æmˈpɑːs/
A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.
Suggests a total stop in negotiations where neither side will budge.
The story behind the word. A French word that entered English in the 19th century. It literally means 'not passing.' It was originally used to describe a cul-de-sac or a dead-end street.
Word relationships
- deadlock: Deadlock is a more common, slightly less formal synonym for impasse.
- stalemate: Stalemate comes from chess and implies that any move will lead to a loss or no result.
- breakthrough: A breakthrough is a sudden advance that overcomes an impasse.
Commonly confused with
- pass: A pass is a way through; an impasse is a way that is blocked.
Collocations
- reach an impasse
- break the impasse
- diplomatic impasse
Example sentences
- "The peace talks reached an impasse when neither side would agree on the border location." Diplomatic negotiations.
- "Legal wrangling over the patent has brought the merger to an impasse." Business deal.
Memory hook
Impasse = Impossible to pass. A dead-end street of an argument.
When not to use
Don't use for a minor delay; it must be a complete standstill.
Fun facts
- The word was famously used by French writers like Voltaire before it became a staple of English diplomatic language.
Explore more words
stalemate, deadlock, standstill, gridlock, logjam, Intransigent
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