impasse Definition
- 1a situation in which progress is impossible, especially because the people involved cannot agree
- 2a road or way that has no exit
Using impasse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "impasse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise.
Example
The car was stuck in an impasse with no way out.
Example
The project came to an impasse due to lack of funding.
impasse Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using impasse
Example
The negotiations were at an impasse, with both sides refusing to budge.
dead-end impasse
a situation in which there is no way forward or solution to a problem
Example
The company found itself in a dead-end impasse with no clear path to profitability.
Example
The conflict between the two countries had reached an impasse of sorts, with neither side willing to back down.
Phrases with impasse
Example
The talks between the two countries have reached an impasse.
a situation in which the government is unable to make decisions or take action because opposing parties are equally strong
Example
The country is currently in a political impasse due to the divided opinions of the ruling party and the opposition.
a situation in which economic growth is stagnant or declining, often caused by factors such as high inflation, unemployment, or debt
Example
The country's economy is in an impasse due to the ongoing recession and high unemployment rates.
Origins of impasse
from French 'en', meaning 'in' + 'passe', meaning 'pass'
Summary: impasse in Brief
The term 'impasse' [ˈɪmpæs] refers to a situation where progress is impossible, often due to disagreement among the parties involved. It can also refer to a road or way that has no exit. Examples include 'The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise.' and 'The car was stuck in an impasse with no way out.' Phrases like 'reach an impasse' and idioms like 'at an impasse' denote situations where no agreement can be reached.