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

The evenly split council, with no tie-breaking vote, has revealed a lack of leadership at City Hall, as two hearings ended in deadlock. —Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025

Lee is favored to win in Hortman's blue-leaning home district, which would restore the chamber to a 67-67 deadlock. —Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025

Whitmer, who is in her second-to-last year as governor, is expected to call on state lawmakers to break the deadlock in a speech Tuesday focused on Michigan’s economy. —Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

There was a uniquely Marcosian way of breaking the deadlock. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 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