at a deadlock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a deadlock" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means being in a situation where no progress can be made because both sides are equally strong or equally unable to reach an agreement. You can use this phrase in various situations where there is a standstill or impasse, such as: - The negotiations between the two companies have reached a deadlock. - Despite multiple rounds of discussions, the government and the opposition remain at a deadlock. - The team was at a deadlock over which strategy to adopt for the project. - The court declared a mistrial after the jury was at a deadlock for several hours. - The United Nations is working to break the deadlock in the peace talks between the two warring nations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

With the latest round of Syrian negotiations in Geneva at a deadlock, hopes for moving forward are bleak.

The Guardian - Opinion

With The Times and Hearst at a deadlock, an ad hoc coalition of politicians, labor leaders, authors and concerned readers has joined the scuffle.

The New York Times

The peace process is currently at a deadlock while the war is deepening grievances, ripping the social fabric and shattering an already fragile state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is this in NATO's interests, with its operation in Afghanistan at a deadlock and no chance (as NATO allies themselves confess) of solving the Iranian nuclear problem without Russia?

The New York Times

Jurors were at a deadlock Tuesday evening.

Los Angeles Times

Currently, Congress and the White House are at a deadlock over how to fund the war.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The inspections are aimed at ending a deadlock over paramilitary disarmament and restoring the power-sharing government in Belfast next week.

The New York Times

An article yesterday about Iran's agreement to study a Russian proposal aimed at breaking a deadlock over Iran's nuclear program included an erroneous reference to Iraq at one point.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the financial-sector lobby has fought this issue to a deadlock at the highest levels of the S.E.C.

The New York Times

American politician whose plan for representation of large and small states prevented a deadlock at the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After they won reversals of two prior convictions of Mr. Schwarz, his defense lawyers succeeded in getting a deadlock at his trial in July.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a deadlock" to describe situations where progress is halted due to equally opposing forces or irreconcilable differences. This phrase is best suited for formal or neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "at a deadlock" when describing temporary delays or minor disagreements. This phrase implies a more profound and seemingly irresolvable standstill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a deadlock" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (often negotiations, talks, or a process). It indicates a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a deadlock" accurately describes situations where progress has ceased due to opposing forces. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage and highlights its frequent appearance in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki sources. Alternative expressions include "at an impasse" and "at a standstill". When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a significant and seemingly irresolvable halt, avoiding its application to minor or temporary delays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

Indicates a complete cessation of movement or progress, similar to a deadlock but perhaps implying a temporary halt.

at an impasse

Signifies a situation where no agreement or progress is possible because of fundamental disagreement, very close to a deadlock.

at a stalemate

Suggests a situation where neither side can win, leading to a prolonged period of inactivity, like a deadlock in a conflict.

at a dead end

Implies that a course of action or investigation can proceed no further, similar to being stuck in a deadlock.

at a gridlock

Often used to describe traffic or political situations where movement is impossible, analogous to a deadlock.

in a bind

Describes a difficult situation where one is trapped or unable to act freely, sharing the sense of constraint with being at a deadlock.

in a logjam

Like a literal logjam, this phrase indicates a blockage preventing progress, similar to a deadlock.

up against a brick wall

A more figurative way to express encountering an insurmountable obstacle, similar to being in a deadlock.

at loggerheads

Describes a situation where parties are in strong disagreement and unable to find common ground, often leading to a deadlock.

in a Mexican standoff

Highlights a situation where all parties are equally threatened, preventing any action, which can lead to a deadlock.

FAQs

How can I use "at a deadlock" in a sentence?

The phrase "at a deadlock" is used to describe a situation where progress has stopped because parties involved cannot agree. For instance, "The negotiations are "at a deadlock" due to disagreements over key terms."

What are some alternatives to "at a deadlock"?

Alternatives to "at a deadlock" include "at an impasse", "at a stalemate", or "at a standstill", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "at a deadlock" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "at a deadlock" is more suited for formal or neutral contexts. In informal settings, simpler expressions like "stuck" or "nowhere to go" might be more appropriate.

What causes negotiations to be "at a deadlock"?

Negotiations can be "at a deadlock" when the parties involved have fundamental disagreements, are unwilling to compromise, or are equally unable to move forward.