Impasse
/ˈɪmpæs/
nounB2
Definition
An impasse is a problem or situation where two or more people cannot agree or move forward. It means that talks, negotiations, or decisions are stuck because no one can find a way to solve the issue. It often happens in arguments, discussions, or negotiations.
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See It in Action
A situation where no progress is possible because of disagreement
- •The negotiations reached an impasse after hours of discussion.
- •They were at an impasse and could not decide on the contract terms.
- •The talks ended in an impasse with no agreement.
A dead end or blocked path (less common, more metaphorical)
- •The project hit an impasse when the team could not agree on the design.
- •The debate reached an impasse, and the moderator ended the session.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "impasse" like "stuck," but more formal and about problems where people cannot agree.
- ✓Picture a road that suddenly ends with no way to go forward—no path left to take.
- ✓It feels frustrating, like when you try to open a door that is locked and you have no key.
- ✓Sounds like "IM-pass" → imagine someone trying to "pass" but being stopped by an invisible wall.
- ✓In stories, characters at an impasse cannot find a way to solve their fight or problem.
- ✓NOT like "disagreement" (which means people just have different opinions), "impasse" means no solution or movement at all.
- ✓NOT like "delay" (which is waiting), "impasse" means no progress because of a deadlock.
- ✓NOT like "conflict" (which is a fight or problem), "impasse" is the point where conflict stops any progress.
Try Other Words
- •Deadlock: a situation where no progress is possible because of disagreement (Use when emphasizing a strong stop or blockage)
- •Stalemate: a situation where neither side can win or progress (Use often in conflicts or games like chess)
- •Standstill: a complete stop of movement or progress (Use when something has stopped moving or developing)
- •Gridlock: a situation where progress is impossible, often used for traffic or politics (Use in contexts of heavy blockage or no movement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "im-" (not) + "passe" (French for "pass" or "go by")
- •Etymology: From French "impasse," meaning "no way out" or "dead end"
- •Historical development: Borrowed into English in the 19th century to mean a dead end or no progress situation
- •Modern usage: Used in business, politics, and everyday life to describe situations where people cannot agree or move forward
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you experienced an impasse in a conversation or decision? How did you try to solve it?
•Why do you think impasses happen often in negotiations or group decisions? What can help people move past them?
Fill in the blanks
1.The meeting reached an impasse because the two sides could not ___ on a solution.
2.When negotiations hit an impasse, both parties often need a ___ to help find a way forward.
3.An impasse is different from a simple disagreement because it means no ___ can be made.
4.The team was at an impasse and felt ___ because they could not find any answers.
5.Sometimes, an impasse can be broken by ___ new ideas or compromises.
6.The project stalled at an impasse, showing that without agreement, progress can ___.
7.In politics, an impasse often causes a ___, where nothing can be decided or done.