dead-end

adjective

\ ˈded-ˌend

Definition of dead-end

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : lacking opportunities especially for advancement a dead-end job

b : lacking an exit a dead-end street

2 : unruly dead-end kids

dead-end

verb

\ ˈded-ˈend

dead-ended; dead-ending; dead-ends

Definition of dead-end (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to come to a dead end : terminate the road dead-ends at the lake the investigation dead-ended

dead end

noun

\ ˈded-ˈend

Definition of dead end (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : an end (as of a street) without an exit

2 : a position, situation, or course of action that leads to nothing further

Other Words from dead-end Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about dead-end

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Examples of dead-end in a Sentence

Noun

We came to a dead end and had to turn around. My career has hit a dead end.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Hill was captured at the scene Wednesday when Opelika police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force responded to the dead end of Morgan Avenue and South Long Street after recognizing the location from the video. — Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al.com, "Second suspect from viral Opelika kidnapping video caught," 12 July 2019 Harry develops theories of the case, pursues them, comes to a dead end, and then follows another thread that leads him to the next suspect. — Rob Merrill, Dallas News, "Super sleuth Harry Hole is at his sharpest in Jo Nesbo's 'Knife'," 9 July 2019 After helping Newcastle finish 13th in the table last season, the Spaniard was in talks of renewing his expiring contract but any negotiations over a new deal soon came to a dead end. — SI.com, "Rafa Benitez Explains How May Meeting With Toon Hierarchy Made Leaving Magpies 'a Clear Decision'," 7 July 2019 If the chip scan leads shelter officials to a dead end, that dog is going to go up for adoption because of outdated information. — Scott Craven, azcentral, "Keep your pets calm, safe Fourth of July with these tips for when the fireworks start," 2 July 2019 Unfortunately, this was just one more wild chase on the trail of false leads and, well, dead ends. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, EW.com, "Who killed the Masked Marvel?," 27 June 2019 Start with a good haircut Get rid of dry, dead ends. — Abigail Whittington, Good Housekeeping, "10 Ways to Tame and Get Rid of Frizzy Hair for Good," 27 June 2019 There are 149 public streets that end on waterfronts, and sometimes adjoining property owners have put up fences and landscaping at the dead ends. — Erik Lacitis, The Seattle Times, "After 7-year battle, Lake City neighbors rejoice as Lake Washington dead end becomes a public beach," 24 June 2019 Kayla Jordan tried to avoid law enforcement by driving toward what turned out to be a dead end and then getting out of the car and running, deputies said. BUSTED! — Tiffini Theisen, orlandosentinel.com, "Woman stopped for illegal U-turn had loaded gun and magazines in car, methamphetamine in bra, Florida deputies say," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dead-end.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.