Meaning & Definition of word "Impasse"
Impasse
/ˈɪm.pæs/
noun:
- 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.
Etymology
●From French 'impasse', meaning 'a passage that is blocked'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of impasse
Meaning: A point where there's no way forward.
● Example Sentence: We're at a complete impasse on this project.