Word
deadlock
Phoneticsdead·lock, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛdˌɫɑk/
UK/dˈɛdlɒk/
Definition
n. A situation in computing where two or more programs get stuck because each is waiting for the other to finish using something, so nobody can move forward. It is like two people blocking each other in a narrow hall.
n. A specific concurrency failure where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for a resource held by another. This creates a cycle of dependencies that cannot be resolved without external intervention. In general English, it also refers to a disagreement where neither side will give in.
Examples
“The system crashed because a deadlock occurred between the two main database tasks.”
“When the printer script and the scanner script both requested the same memory block, they hit a deadlock.”
“Without a proper resource hierarchy, your multi-threaded application might encounter a deadlock where Thread A waits for Thread B indefinitely.”
Examples
simple
“The system crashed because a deadlock occurred between the two main database tasks.”
contextual
“When the printer script and the scanner script both requested the same memory block, they hit a deadlock.”
complex
“Without a proper resource hierarchy, your multi-threaded application might encounter a deadlock where Thread A waits for Thread B indefinitely.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'reach', 'break', or 'resolve'.
Real-World Examples
“Taiwan parliament ends deadlock, ensuring vital drone programme funding amid rising cross-strait tensions with Beijing.” “Colchester who broke the deadlock after 24 minutes when Ellis Iandolo headed home.” Etymology
From dead + lock.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/deadlock