Stalemate
'steɪlmeɪt
Definitions
2 meaningsA state of deadlock in which neither side can make progress.
'steɪlmeɪt
A situation in which progress is impossible, typically in a conflict or competition.
The peace talks reached a stalemate after weeks of negotiations.
💡 Simply: Imagine two friends are playing a game, and neither can make a move that helps them win. They're stuck and can't go forward, just like a traffic jam where no one is moving. That's a stalemate!
👶 For kids: When something is stuck and can't move forward, like when you're playing a game and nobody can win or lose.
More Examples
The two companies were in a stalemate over the acquisition deal.
The chess match ended in a stalemate.
How It's Used
"Negotiations reached a stalemate due to irreconcilable differences."
"The merger talks ended in a stalemate."
"The game ended in a stalemate."
To cause a situation to become a stalemate; to bring to a standstill.
'steɪlmeɪt
To bring to a standstill.
The opposition party attempted to stalemate the bill by filibustering.
💡 Simply: To stalemate means to make something not move forward. Like, if you block a road with a giant rock, you've stalemated traffic!
👶 For kids: To stop something from moving forward.
More Examples
The negotiator's stubborn stance served to stalemate the peace talks.
How It's Used
"The government's actions stalemated the reform process."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
reach a stalemate
To arrive at a point where no further progress can be made.
"The negotiations reached a stalemate."
in a stalemate
In a situation where progress is not possible.
"The situation is in a stalemate."
From German *Stal* 'standing still' and *matt* 'checkmate', from the game of chess, where a player is not in check but has no legal moves available.
Originally used in chess, referring to a position where a player is not in check but has no legal moves. Its usage broadened to political and business contexts during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a chess game; neither player can win, but no one is in check, so the game ends.
Word Origin
"Stal (standing still) and matt (checkmate)"