logjam

noun

log·​jam ˈlȯg-ˌjam 

ˈläg-

1

: a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse

2

a

: deadlock, impasse

trying to break the logjam in negotiations

b

: blockage

c

: jam, crowd

logjam transitive verb

Synonyms

• backup
• bottleneck
• jam
• jam-up
• snarl
• tailback [British]
• tie-up

Examples of logjam in a Sentence

He was called in to try to break the logjam in the negotiations.

the presence of an ambulance on the side of the highway created a logjam of rubberneckers who just had to have a look

Recent Examples on the Web

Inflation has fallen, as energy prices have come down and as supply logjams have eased. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 31 May 2024

Rocklin city officials repeatedly raised concerns about a potential traffic logjam along Sierra College Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 23 May 2024

But Thomas said a paperwork logjam between the city and state prevented him from completing any contracts before the encampment was attacked on the night of April 30. —Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

Even if Austin Hays continues to struggle, trading or cutting him would create a logjam of left-handed outfielders. —Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1