Deadlock

/ˈdedlɑːk/
noun

A situation where no progress can be made because there is a disagreement.

The negotiations between the two parties reached a deadlock because neither side was willing to compromise.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - A situation where no progress can be made because there is a disagreement.

Often appears as...

  • reach a deadlock
  • break the deadlock
verb

To cause a situation or process to come to a point where no further progress is possible.

The argument deadlocked when both parties refused to back down.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - To cause a situation or process to come to a point where no further progress is possible.

Often appears as...

  • deadlocked negotiations
  • deadlocked talks
noun

In computer science, it is a state of a computer program where it cannot proceed because each part is waiting for the other.

The software crashed because it ended up in a deadlock due to a programming error.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - In computer science, it is a state of a computer program where it cannot proceed because each part is waiting for the other.

Often appears as...

  • deadlock detection
  • deadlock handling

Usage tips

Technical

noun

A situation where no progress can be made because there is a disagreement.

The negotiations between the two parties reached a deadlock because neither side was willing to compromise.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - A situation where no progress can be made because there is a disagreement.

Often appears as...

  • reach a deadlock
  • break the deadlock
verb

To cause a situation or process to come to a point where no further progress is possible.

The argument deadlocked when both parties refused to back down.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - To cause a situation or process to come to a point where no further progress is possible.

Often appears as...

  • deadlocked negotiations
  • deadlocked talks
noun

In computer science, it is a state of a computer program where it cannot proceed because each part is waiting for the other.

The software crashed because it ended up in a deadlock due to a programming error.
Visual representation of "deadlock" - In computer science, it is a state of a computer program where it cannot proceed because each part is waiting for the other.

Often appears as...

  • deadlock detection
  • deadlock handling

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "deadlock"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Use

Deadlock is often used in political contexts to describe stalled decision-making processes.

Illustration for Political Use
The legislature was in a deadlock over the new bill.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Disputes

Deadlock implies a strong disagreement and is frequently associated with disputes or negotiations.

Illustration for Common in Disputes
The jury was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Compromise

Deadlock suggests that none of the parties involved is willing to compromise or change their position.

Illustration for No Compromise
The peace talks were at a deadlock.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Use

Deadlock is often used in political contexts to describe stalled decision-making processes.

Illustration for Political Use
The legislature was in a deadlock over the new bill.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Disputes

Deadlock implies a strong disagreement and is frequently associated with disputes or negotiations.

Illustration for Common in Disputes
The jury was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Compromise

Deadlock suggests that none of the parties involved is willing to compromise or change their position.

Illustration for No Compromise
The peace talks were at a deadlock.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Use

Deadlock is often used in political contexts to describe stalled decision-making processes.

Illustration for Political Use
The legislature was in a deadlock over the new bill.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common in Disputes

Deadlock implies a strong disagreement and is frequently associated with disputes or negotiations.

Illustration for Common in Disputes
The jury was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Compromise

Deadlock suggests that none of the parties involved is willing to compromise or change their position.

Illustration for No Compromise
The peace talks were at a deadlock.
Visual representation of the word "Deadlock"

Never forget "Deadlock"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery

Video examples

The unheard story of...

and the two armies just sit there for weeks and stare at each other, because they're deadlocked. Neither can attack the other, because to attack the other side you've got to come down the mountain into the valley and then up the other side, and you're completely exposed. So finally, to break the deadlock,

Video examples

The unheard story of...

and the two armies just sit there for weeks and stare at each other, because they're deadlocked. Neither can attack the other, because to attack the other side you've got to come down the mountain into the valley and then up the other side, and you're completely exposed. So finally, to break the deadlock,

Example 1 of 1

Quote examples

Josh Widdicombe

English Comedian

Never have I got on better with my flatmates than when our landlord installed a dodgy deadlock and locked us out of our flat for a full Friday evening.
Portrait of Josh Widdicombe

Quote examples

Josh Widdicombe

English Comedian

Never have I got on better with my flatmates than when our landlord installed a dodgy deadlock and locked us out of our flat for a full Friday evening.
Portrait of Josh Widdicombe
Example 1 of 1
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top