Pronunciation: /ˈdɛdˌlɒk/

Definitions of deadlock

noun a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from opposition of equally powerful forces or factions

Example Sentences

A1 The two cars were stuck in a deadlock on the narrow street.

A2 The negotiation reached a deadlock when neither party would compromise.

B1 The deadlock in the government shutdown lasted for weeks.

B2 The deadlock between the two countries led to a standstill in diplomatic relations.

C1 The deadlock in the peace talks seemed impossible to break.

C2 The deadlock in the contract negotiations threatened to derail the entire project.

verb to bring to a standstill or stalemate

Example Sentences

A1 The two cars were deadlocked in the narrow street.

A2 The negotiations deadlocked over the issue of funding.

B1 The company and the union deadlocked in their discussions about wages.

B2 The board of directors deadlocked on the decision to merge with another company.

C1 The political parties deadlocked in their attempts to form a coalition government.

C2 The peace talks deadlocked over the issue of border disputes.

Examples of deadlock in a Sentence

formal The negotiations reached a deadlock as neither party was willing to compromise.

informal We're stuck in a deadlock and can't seem to make any progress.

slang The whole situation is in a deadlock and it's driving me crazy.

figurative Their relationship was at a deadlock, with neither of them willing to budge.

Grammatical Forms of deadlock

past tense

deadlocked

plural

deadlocks

comparative

more deadlock

superlative

most deadlock

present tense

deadlocks

future tense

will deadlock

perfect tense

has deadlocked

continuous tense

is deadlocking

singular

deadlock

positive degree

deadlock

infinitive

to deadlock

gerund

deadlocking

participle

deadlocked

Origin and Evolution of deadlock

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'deadlock' originated from the Middle English word 'dedlok' which combines 'dead' meaning complete or absolute, and 'lok' meaning a bar or bolt used for fastening a door.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a complete lock or fastening, 'deadlock' evolved to refer to a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces or lack of agreement.