Pronunciation: /krɔs ˈpɜrpəsɪz/
noun a contrary or conflicting goal or aim
A1 They were talking at cross purposes and couldn't understand each other.
A2 The team members were working at cross purposes, causing confusion and delays.
B1 The two departments were often at cross purposes, leading to inefficiency in the company.
B2 The politicians seemed to be at cross purposes during the debate, making it difficult to reach a consensus.
C1 The negotiations between the two countries were at cross purposes, making it challenging to find a resolution.
C2 The conflicting agendas of the stakeholders led to the project being at cross purposes, resulting in its failure.
adjective involving conflicting or opposing intentions or goals
A1 They were working at cross purposes, so they couldn't agree on a plan.
A2 The two teams were inadvertently working at cross purposes, causing confusion.
B1 The lack of communication led to the departments being at cross purposes.
B2 The project failed because the different stakeholders were working at cross purposes.
C1 The political parties were at cross purposes, making it difficult to reach a consensus.
C2 The negotiation process was hindered by the two sides being at cross purposes.
formal The two departments were working at cross purposes, causing confusion in the project.
informal They were both trying to do their own thing, so they ended up at cross purposes.
slang They were totally not on the same page and working at cross purposes.
figurative Their relationship was strained because they were always at cross purposes.
crossed
cross purposes
more cross purposes
most cross purposes
crosses purposes
will cross purposes
has crossed purposes
is crossing purposes
cross purpose
cross purposes
to cross purposes
crossing purposes
crossing purposes