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

The deadlock was broken within five minutes when striker Haley Hopkins pounced on a shot by teammate Lo’eau LaBonta that was deflected. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Al-Zaidi came to power as a consensus candidate in Iraq earlier this year after months of deadlock following last year’s parliamentary elections. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

With pressure mounting on the government to break the deadlock and address growing demands for his resignation, Pradhan stepped down as education minister on July 25, and cabinet minister Pralhad Joshi was handed the portfolio. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Mediation failed Late Tuesday, Iranian officials rejected a proposal by Oman to end the deadlock between Washington and Tehran over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 29 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