noun
impasse
AM-pahs
Impasse (noun) means a situation where no further progress can be made; a deadlock. Example: “The talks reached an impasse over funding.”
noun
1
A situation where no further progress can be made; a deadlock.
"The agreement, which falls short of the sprawling changes championed by Democrats, is a significant step toward ending a yearslong impasse over gun reform legislation."
— Emily Cochrane, Senators Reach Bipartisan Deal on Gun Safety (2022)
"The talks reached an impasse over funding."
"“It seems to me the thing's an impasse. French expression,” I explained, “meaning that we're stymied good and proper with no hope of finding a formula.”"
— P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing (1960)
""Young man, this town is at a bit of an impasse. If you have any suggestion that might help, now would be the time to voice it.""
— Clare Vanderpool, Moon Over Manifest (2010)
2
A dead-end street.
"The old French quarter has several narrow impasses."
How to use impasse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA standstill — nobody can move forward, in a negotiation, argument, or literally on a road.
Common pairings
reach an impasse
break the impasse
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Word forms
- Plural
- impasses
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The talks reached an _____ over funding.
Etymology
Borrowed from French impasse ("dead end"), from im- + passe.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for impasse
See all rhymes for impasse →Frequently asked questions
What does “impasse” mean?
The word “impasse” means a situation where no further progress can be made; a deadlock. In plain terms, a standstill — nobody can move forward, in a negotiation, argument, or literally on a road.
How do you pronounce “impasse”?
“Impasse” is pronounced AM-pahs (/ˈɪmpæs/ in IPA).
How do you use “impasse” in a sentence?
Here is “impasse” used in a sentence: “The talks reached an impasse over funding.”
What part of speech is “impasse”?
“Impasse” is a noun.
Where does the word “impasse” come from?
The word “impasse” comes from French. Borrowed from French impasse ("dead end"), from im- + passe.
How many meanings does “impasse” have?
“Impasse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a situation where no further progress can be made; a deadlock.
