we are deadlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are deadlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are unable to reach an agreement or make progress due to opposing positions. Example: "After hours of negotiation, we are deadlocked on the terms of the contract and unable to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After the first day and a half of deliberations, the jury sent a note to Shaller on Tuesday: "What do we do if we are deadlocked?" But the discussions continued.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I won't say we were deadlocked, but it was certainly agonising for some of us".

The Guardian

We were deadlocked right out of the gate," said the juror, Ed Norris, 49, an equipment operator from Roxbury Township, who said he believed the men were not guilty.

The New York Times

Two jurors had hostile words at each other and at this time, the foreman [Hendrix] slipped a note to the judge without our knowledge and told him that we were deadlock.

Huffington Post

Kissinger now says we and the Russians are deadlocked for at least the balance of this year, & a new conflict appears to be developing among the policy-makers, with Kissinger regarded by some as a spokesman for a "soft", and therefore dangerous line, with others in the State & Defense Dept.

The New Yorker

Parties are deadlocked in negotiations.

The Economist

Negotiations between Ethiopia and Egypt are deadlocked.

The Guardian

The power-sharing talks are deadlocked.

The New York Times

Negotiators from both houses are deadlocked.

The New York Times

As a result, no process can continue; they are deadlocked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The players and management are deadlocked over salaries.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are deadlocked" to clearly and concisely convey that negotiations or discussions have reached an impasse and further progress is unlikely without intervention or compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "we are deadlocked" if there is still a reasonable possibility of finding a resolution. Instead, use phrases that suggest a temporary setback or difficulty, such as "we are facing challenges" or "we are experiencing some disagreements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are deadlocked" functions primarily as a statement expressing a state of impasse or inability to reach an agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English to indicate a lack of progress due to opposing positions. Its function is to communicate the current status of a negotiation or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are deadlocked" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a state of impasse or inability to reach an agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news and media contexts to describe situations where negotiations or discussions have stalled. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal use, it's essential to ensure that no reasonable possibility for resolution remains before using this phrase. Alternatives like "we've reached a stalemate" or "we've hit an impasse" can also be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we've reached a stalemate

Replaces "deadlocked" with "stalemate", emphasizing a standstill in progress.

we've hit an impasse

Substitutes "deadlocked" with "impasse", indicating a situation with no apparent resolution.

we can't reach an agreement

Focuses on the inability to agree, rather than the state of being stuck.

we're at a standstill

Replaces "deadlocked" with "standstill", highlighting the lack of movement.

we're at loggerheads

Uses the idiom "at loggerheads" to describe a state of strong disagreement and conflict.

we're unable to move forward

Emphasizes the lack of progress, suggesting a need to find a way to advance.

we're stuck in a rut

Implies a repetitive and unproductive situation, beyond just a simple deadlock.

we're facing a gridlock

Uses "gridlock" to describe a complete blockage, often in a political or systemic context.

we're in a bind

Indicates a difficult situation with limited options, not just a lack of agreement.

we're facing an obstacle

Highlights the presence of a barrier preventing progress, which could be more general than a deadlock.

FAQs

How can I use "we are deadlocked" in a sentence?

You can use "we are deadlocked" to describe a situation where two or more parties have reached an impasse and cannot agree, for example: "After several rounds of negotiations, "we are deadlocked" on the key terms of the contract".

What does it mean when someone says "we are deadlocked"?

When someone says "we are deadlocked", it means that they have reached a point in a negotiation, discussion, or other process where no further progress can be made due to conflicting opinions or positions.

What can I say instead of "we are deadlocked"?

You can use alternatives like "we've reached a stalemate", "we've hit an impasse", or "we can't reach an agreement" depending on the context.

Is "we are deadlocked" formal or informal?

"We are deadlocked" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in professional or news settings than in casual conversation.