Meaning & Definition of word "Impasse"

Impasse

/ˈɪm.pæs/

1. A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.
- Example: The negotiations reached an impasse after both sides refused to compromise.
2. A position or situation from which there is no escape.
- Example: The team found themselves in a strategic impasse, unable to outmaneuver their opponents.
3. A road or passage having no outlet.
- Example: The map showed that the trail ended at an impasse, requiring a backtrack.

●From French 'impasse', meaning 'a passage that is blocked'.

political impasse:

A situation where opposing parties cannot come to an agreement in politics.

negotiation impasse:

An inability to reach an agreement during negotiations.

reach an impasse:

To arrive at a situation where no further progress can be made.

deadlock:

A situation where no progress can be made.

stalemate:

A situation in chess where a player has no legal moves and the game ends.

Meaning: A point where there's no way forward.

● Example Sentence: We're at a complete impasse on this project.