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impasse

Noun

IPA /ˈɪmpæs/

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Meaning in plain English

A situation where progress stops because the people involved cannot agree on what to do next or accept a solution.

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Pronunciation

impasse/ˈɪmpæs/

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One side refuses the proposed solution
The disagreement blocks all progress
The other side will not change its position

An impasse occurs when disagreement leaves no way to move forward.

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Examples in context

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We reached an impasse over which house to rent.
The negotiations ended in an impasse when neither side accepted the proposed deadline.

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We reached an ________ over which house to rent.

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impasse — A situation where progress stops because the people involved cannot agree on what to do next or accept a solution.

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A situation where progress stops because the people involved cannot agree on what to do next or accept a solution.

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Word origin

From French impasse, formed from a negative prefix and the stem of passer, meaning pass.

Did you know?

Break the impasse means find a way for discussion or action to move forward again.

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