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

• 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

As the government shutdown stretches into day 14, funding for vital programs remains stuck in a deadlock limbo between Congressional Republicans and Democrats. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

The federal government shut down at the beginning of the month after Congress failed to break a funding deadlock and pass a measure to keep agencies running. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pick his new prime minister by Friday evening, after outgoing PM Sebastien Lecornu led last-ditch talks for two days with political parties to try and unlock the current political deadlock. —Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025

The political deadlock stems from Macron's shock decision in June 2024 to dissolve the National Assembly. —NPR, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1779, 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