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

Both Colombia and Switzerland had opportunities to break the deadlock, but the final, decisive movements were lacking. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, and Olise got two delightful assists with through balls for Mbappe and Barcola to finish in an emphatic second-half display. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026

In extra time, just before a penalty shootout appeared to be the only way to solve the deadlock, a foul was committed by Senegal in their own box, and Tielemans was awarded a penalty to decide the match. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The same might be said by the fans who saw Congo stymie Portugal, Cabo Verde deadlock with Spain, or Haiti blast in two goals against Morocco. — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 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