impasse
UK: ɪmˈpɑːs | US: ɪmˈpæs
n. a situation in which no progress is possible, especially due to disagreement; a deadlock
impasse = im<not> + passe<pass>
- im (prefix): from Latin in- (not), negating the following root.
- passe (root): from French passer (to pass), derived from Latin passus (step, pace).
Etymology Origin:
The word impasse entered English in the 19th century directly from French, where it literally means "no passage." It originally described a physical dead end (e.g., a blocked road) but evolved metaphorically to describe unresolved conflicts or stalemates. The prefix im- (not) combined with passe (pass) creates a vivid image of being unable to move forward, reinforcing its modern meaning of a standstill.
The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise.
The political impasse delayed critical legislation for months.
We need creative solutions to break this impasse.
The team’s discussion hit an impasse over budget allocations.
Mediators were called in to resolve the impasse between the unions and management.