deadlock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deadlock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces or a stalemate, often in negotiations or decision-making processes. Example: "The negotiations reached a deadlock, with neither party willing to compromise on their demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a certain randomness to the goal that broke the deadlock early on.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is another kind of support which has been even more conspicuously absent: the proposal of any feasible strategy for breaking the deadlock.

The Guardian

But Stormont has been suspended for over a year and the deadlock will continue, given the swing towards republican and unionist hardliners.

The Guardian

Moreover, given the deadlock and the glacial pace of world trade negotiations, the TTIP will create a template for global trade that the big emerging economies, not least China, might feel obliged to follow.

The Guardian - Business

Abadi, a veteran of Iraq's post-Saddam Hussein governments, was appointed on Monday after the country's president effectively deposed Maliki in an effort to break the political deadlock that has paralysed the government while jihadists sweep through the north of the country.

The Guardian

As deadlock looms and commentators descend into familiar demands for electoral reform, the leftwing campaign group Council of Canadians has launched a voter registration campaign, confident that increasing the last campaign's historically low 61% turnout will accomplish the necessary work automatically.

The Guardian

He may have even got the Tigers over the line, too, but he was forced off in the 70th minute with concussion, and it was seven minutes later that the Brisbane Broncos broke the deadlock with a match-winning penalty goal by Ben Hunt.

The Guardian - Sport

London shares suffered a sharp sell-off over fears of an election deadlock.

The Guardian

Pre-election polls had Labour and the Conservatives parties in a deadlock.

The Guardian

Cameron's party typically leads in phone polling, with the two main parties in a deadlock according to internet-based surveys.

The Guardian

Some thought among aides has been going into when he will grab some sleep, as he will need to ensure he is fresh for any negotiations that will start as soon as possible on Friday, in the event of a deadlock.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing negotiations or political situations, use "deadlock" to convey a strong sense of impasse and the inability to move forward.

Common error

Avoid using "deadlock" when a situation is merely temporarily stalled or facing minor setbacks. "Deadlock" implies a more profound and seemingly irresolvable standstill.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deadlock" is as a noun, referring to a state of standstill or impasse. It can also function as a verb, meaning to bring to a standstill. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "deadlock" is a versatile and frequently used term to describe a standstill resulting from opposing forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts, from news reporting to formal business discussions. While alternatives like "stalemate" and "impasse" exist, "deadlock" effectively conveys a sense of obstruction and irresolution. Remember to reserve its usage for genuinely impassable situations to maintain precision and impact. The term's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist underscores its legitimacy and importance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stalemate

Similar to "deadlock", it describes a situation where neither side can gain an advantage.

impasse

Indicates a situation where no progress is possible, closely mirroring "deadlock".

standstill

Emphasizes the lack of movement or progress, much like "deadlock".

dead end

Suggests a situation where further progress is impossible, reflecting the futility of "deadlock".

gridlock

Specifically refers to a situation of complete blockage or standstill, often used in the context of traffic or political processes.

bottleneck

Highlights a point of congestion that prevents progress, similar to the obstruction implied by "deadlock".

halt

A more general term indicating a stop in progress, which can be a result of a "deadlock".

standoff

Implies a confrontation leading to a standstill, often in negotiations or conflicts.

impasse

Means a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement.

tie

Indicates a situation where opposing sides are equally matched and unable to overcome each other.

FAQs

What does "deadlock" mean?

"Deadlock" refers to a situation where progress is impossible, typically due to conflicting, equally powerful forces or parties. It signifies a standstill that's difficult to break.

How can I use "deadlock" in a sentence?

You might say, "The negotiations reached a "deadlock" after weeks of disagreement" or "The political situation is in a "deadlock", with neither side willing to compromise."

What can I say instead of "deadlock"?

You can use alternatives like "stalemate", "impasse", or "standstill", depending on the specific context.

Is "deadlock" a formal or informal term?

"Deadlock" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reporting, business discussions, and academic analyses.