Words / C1

am-PAHS/æmˈpɑːs/

An impasse is a situation in which no further progress is possible: talks reached an impasse, break the impasse. Deadlock (already in the dictionary) is the close twin; a pause that still moves is not an impasse. A foyer banner is comms, not a settlement.

Meaning

A situation in which no further progress is possible.

Examples

• “Talks reached an impasse; a foyer banner is not a settlement.”
• “Talks reached an impasse on the night-cover clause; a foyer banner is not a settlement.”
• “Deadlock is already in this course. Stalemate is the chess cousin. A banner is branding. A signed minute is the way out. Name the sticking point; then print the banner if you still must.”

Good to know

A deadlock; no way forward. Close: deadlock (already in the dictionary). A banner ≠ a settlement.

Near in meaning

deadlock, stalemate, standstill

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