impasse
nounUK /ˈæmpɑːs/ · US /ˈɪmpæs/
Etymology Borrowed from French impasse.
1
A road with no exit; a cul-de-sac.
2
Figuratively A deadlock or stalemate situation in which no progress can be made.
- “It seems to me the thing's an impasse. French expression,” I explained, “meaning that we're stymied good and proper with no hope of finding a formula.”1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter XIV:
- "Young man, this town is at a bit of an impasse. If you have any suggestion that might help, now would be the time to voice it."2010, Clare Vanderpool, Moon Over Manifest:
1 more example
- The agreement, which falls short of the sprawling changes championed by Democrats, is a significant step toward ending a yearslong impasse over gun reform legislation.2022 June 12, Emily Cochrane, Annie Karni, “Senators Reach Bipartisan Deal on Gun Safety”, in The New York Times, →ISSN: