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 center-right, francophone Mouvement Réformateur (MR) party now leads the seven-party coalition government, after over 600 days spent in deadlock without a government. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The Fire is on a six-game unbeaten run in league play and heads into Wednesday’s game after three consecutive draws, most recently a 4-4 deadlock with Toronto FC. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

If the jury still cannot reach a unanimous verdict after the third deadlock, the judge can declare a mistrial, which Sullivan did. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Some sort of resolution to the Lindsay Clancy trial seemed finally within reach on Thursday afternoon when, after six days of deliberations and two reports of deadlock, word came from the jury room. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 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