1
: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill
the deadlock was broken with a key compromise
2
: a tie score
deadlock
verb
Examples of deadlock in a Sentence
City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.
His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now, the city faces the challenge of operating up to six months with just six council members, increasing the risk of deadlocks on important decisions, after the council failed to appoint an interim council member on Tuesday.
—
Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a trilateral meeting between himself, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock on ending Moscow's invasion.
—Shane Croucher
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The result was two more years of economic stagnation and eventually the political deadlock that led to the downfall of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the fresh federal elections this year.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
After more than two years of political deadlock, Aoun’s election was seen as a victory for the anti-Hezbollah camp, and has seemingly made the shift in public opinion regarding peace with Israel more palatable.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
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Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a trilateral meeting between himself, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin to break the deadlock on ending Moscow's invasion.
—Shane Croucher
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The result was two more years of economic stagnation and eventually the political deadlock that led to the downfall of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the fresh federal elections this year.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
After more than two years of political deadlock, Aoun’s election was seen as a victory for the anti-Hezbollah camp, and has seemingly made the shift in public opinion regarding peace with Israel more palatable.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
-ˌläk 
: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in
deadlock
verb
Legal Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
ˈded-ˌläk
: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as
a
: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge
b
: impasse
c
: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting
deadlock
verb
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