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

That deadlock prompted an unusually long recess of nearly 90 minutes that was followed by a 6-0 vote in favor of retreating on the bus stops. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

The main factor is the seemingly unresolvable deadlock in Ukraine. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026

Dominguez will face a new jury later this month after the first trial ended in deadlock. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

The Summit broke the deadlock in the 77th on Flint's left-footed precision strike to retake the lead. —CBS News, 4 May 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