deadlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deadlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two or more people or groups cannot agree on something and no resolution is found. Example sentence: The two sides have been deadlocked in negotiations for weeks, with neither side willing to compromise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RB The devilishly labyrinthine process to select our book of the year continues, with the judges so far deadlocked.

The Guardian - Sport

Lyall Grant said the council, which has been deadlocked on Ukraine because of a possible veto by Russia, must play a full role in ensuring compliance with the ceasefire, including "willingness to take further steps in the event it is not implemented".

The Guardian

Until Berra's expulsion in the 49th minute this game was deadlocked.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2012 King Hamad pledged to implement the recommendations of an independent commission to examine the roots of the country's crisis, but reform has been slow and reconciliation talks have been deadlocked for months.

The Guardian

On Wednesday ICM released provisional numbers that showed the two main parties deadlocked on 35% each.

The Guardian

IT WAS expected to be a desperately close-run thing: a race to the bottom between the Conservatives and the Labour Party, long since deadlocked in the polls, which would leave both parties far short of a majority.

The Economist

Since last August, when an election left parliament deadlocked, it has also suffered utter political paralysis.

The Economist

With the formerly deadlocked political system now working smoothly, parliament has passed some long-awaited laws, including a new criminal code.

The Economist

Anti-Maoists are challenging the peace agreements while parliament has been deadlocked since June over the election of a new prime minister.Political paralysis has given rise to accusations of meddling by India.

The Economist

If there was a silver lining (or at least an ash-grey one), it was that the jury found him not guilty on one count of bribery, and it deadlocked on two charges of attempted extortion.

The Economist

For all these reasons, the administration is now trying to get the Security Council to pass a new resolution with tougher conditions for Iraq in the teeth of Russian objections.America's case may not be deadlocked at the UN.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deadlocked", ensure the context clearly indicates what entities or parties are in disagreement and what specific issue or process is stalled.

Common error

Avoid using "deadlocked" to describe situations where progress is simply slow or challenging; reserve it for scenarios where all forward movement has genuinely ceased due to fundamental disagreements. "Deadlocked" is more than just difficult, it's stopped.

Linguistic Context

The word "deadlocked" functions primarily as a verb, often in its past participle form, to describe a state of complete standstill or inability to progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "deadlocked" accurately describes a situation where progress has ceased, typically due to disagreement or an inability to move forward. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is valid and appropriate for use in English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While "deadlocked" is commonly used, ensure it accurately reflects a complete standstill rather than simply slow progress. Related terms include ""at an impasse"" and "in a stalemate". When writing, use "deadlocked" when no further progress is possible and all other options have failed. Always remember that "deadlocked" signifies a complete halt, not just a delay. Using "deadlocked" in your writing clearly communicates that a resolution has not been found and is critical to understanding the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an impasse

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or resolution.

mired in deadlock

Implies being stuck or entangled in a state of no progress.

in a stalemate

Highlights a situation where no progress can be made.

at a standstill

Indicates a complete halt in progress or movement.

gridlocked

Suggests a complete blockage or standstill, often used in traffic or political contexts.

unable to progress

Directly states the inability to move forward.

inconclusive

Focuses on the lack of a definitive outcome or result.

at loggerheads

Indicates a state of strong disagreement and conflict.

hamstrung

Emphasizes being restricted or limited in ability to act.

caught in a bind

Suggests being trapped in a difficult situation with no easy solution.

FAQs

How can I use "deadlocked" in a sentence?

You can use "deadlocked" to describe situations where an agreement cannot be reached. For example, "The negotiations were "at an impasse", with both sides refusing to compromise, and ultimately became deadlocked."

What are some alternatives to using "deadlocked"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at a standstill", "in a stalemate", or ""at an impasse"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "deadlocked" in formal writing?

Yes, "deadlocked" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing negotiations, political situations, or business discussions that have reached an impasse. However, consider the specific audience and context to ensure it's the most precise and effective term.

What's the difference between "deadlocked" and "delayed"?

"Deadlocked" implies a complete stop due to disagreement or inability to move forward, whereas "delayed" simply means something is postponed or slowed down. For example, negotiations can be "deadlocked" if neither party compromises, but a project can be "delayed" due to unforeseen circumstances.