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

Taiwan’s leader, who is looking to pass a $40 billion special military budget, warned that a legislative deadlock over the funds could push Taipei down on the US’ priority list. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026

Mohamed Amoura broke the deadlock for Wolfsburg early in the second half after Adam Daghim surged past Max Finkgräfe and Nicolas Seiwald before laying the ball back. —ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026

The elections were later postponed indefinitely amid political deadlock and security concerns. —Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

Arsenal’s convincing 4-0 victory at Leeds had a familiar format on Saturday, breaking the deadlock with yet another set piece to take three crucial points back to north London. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 Feb. 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