deadlock
Deadlock (noun) means a complete standstill caused by two equally matched sides refusing to give way. Example: “Talks between the union and management ended in deadlock.”
How to use deadlock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stalemate — a situation where neither side can move forward.
Word forms
deadlocked past tense, deadlocks plural, deadlocks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Talks between the union and management ended in _____.
Etymology
From dead plus lock, originally describing a lock that can't be moved once set.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for deadlock
See all rhymes for deadlock →Frequently asked questions
What does “deadlock” mean?
The word “deadlock” means a complete standstill caused by two equally matched sides refusing to give way. In plain terms, a stalemate — a situation where neither side can move forward.
How do you pronounce “deadlock”?
“Deadlock” is pronounced DEHD-lok (/ˈdɛdˌlɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “deadlock” in a sentence?
Here is “deadlock” used in a sentence: “Talks between the union and management ended in deadlock.”
What part of speech is “deadlock”?
Depending on how it is used, “deadlock” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “deadlock” have?
“Deadlock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a complete standstill caused by two equally matched sides refusing to give way.