noun

stalemate

STAYL-mayt

Stalemate (noun) means In chess, a position where the player to move has no legal move and is not in check, ending the game as a draw. Example: “She accidentally forced a stalemate when she should have gone for checkmate.”

noun

In chess, a position where the player to move has no legal move and is not in check, ending the game as a draw.

"She accidentally forced a stalemate when she should have gone for checkmate."

Any deadlocked situation where neither side can make progress.

"Talks between the two countries reached a stalemate over trade tariffs."

"The union and management were stuck in a stalemate for weeks."

verb

To bring a situation, argument, or game to a deadlock.

"Their refusal to compromise stalemated the entire negotiation."

How to use stalemate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA standstill where nobody can move forward, whether in chess or in any dispute.

Common pairings

reach a stalemate end in stalemate break the stalemate

Word forms

stalemated past tense, stalemates plural, stalemates singular

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She accidentally forced a _____ when she should have gone for checkmate.

Etymology

Formed from "stale" (in an old sense meaning a fixed position) plus "mate," as in checkmate.

Synonyms

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standstill impasse deadlock dead end

Related words

stopping retreat halt dilemma standstill deadlock impasse

Rhymes for stalemate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “stalemate” mean?

The word “stalemate” means in chess, a position where the player to move has no legal move and is not in check, ending the game as a draw. In plain terms, a standstill where nobody can move forward, whether in chess or in any dispute.

How do you pronounce “stalemate”?

“Stalemate” is pronounced STAYL-mayt (/ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “stalemate” in a sentence?

Here is “stalemate” used in a sentence: “She accidentally forced a stalemate when she should have gone for checkmate.”

What part of speech is “stalemate”?

Depending on how it is used, “stalemate” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “stalemate” have?

“Stalemate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in chess, a position where the player to move has no legal move and is not in check, ending the game as a draw.

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