deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk 

1

: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill

the deadlock was broken with a key compromise

2

: a tie score

deadlock verb

Synonyms of deadlock

• halt
• impasse
• stalemate

Examples of deadlock in a Sentence

City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.

His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.

Recent Examples on the Web

So Dejan Joveljic’s goal in the 28th minute to break a scoreless deadlock was certainly a welcome sign. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

When Torres finally broke the deadlock, Messi fell on his back and held his head in his hands. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Here in Singapore, many watched in the wee hours of the morning as Spain dominated Argentina, before breaking the deadlock in extra time. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 July 2026

With the Thursday deadlock, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman sent jurors home. — Darrell Smith july 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deadlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk
• graywacke

Kids Definition

deadlock

noun

dead·​lock -ˌläk 

: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in

deadlock verb

Legal Definition

deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk 

: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as

a

: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge

b

: impasse

c

: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting

deadlock verb