stalemate Definition
- 1a situation in which further action or progress by opposing parties seems impossible
- 2a position counting as a draw, in which a player is not in check but cannot move except into check
Using stalemate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stalemate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The negotiations reached a stalemate.
Example
The game ended in a stalemate.
Example
The two armies were at a stalemate for weeks.
stalemate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with stalemate
a situation in which opposing political parties or groups are unable to reach an agreement
Example
The government was in a political stalemate, with neither party willing to compromise.
a situation in which economic progress is halted due to opposing forces or factors
Example
The country was in an economic stalemate, with high inflation rates and low employment rates.
a position in chess where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no legal move
Example
The game ended in a stalemate when neither player could make a legal move.
Origins of stalemate
from the obsolete English 'stale' meaning 'stalemate' and 'mate' meaning 'checkmate'
Summary: stalemate in Brief
A 'stalemate' [ˈsteɪlmeɪt] refers to a situation where further progress or action seems impossible. It can be used in contexts like negotiations, games, or military conflicts, as in 'The negotiations reached a stalemate,' 'The game ended in a stalemate,' and 'The two armies were at a stalemate for weeks.' 'Stalemate' can also refer to a position in chess where the player cannot move without being in check.
