Word
gridlock
Phoneticsgrid·lock, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹɪdˌɫɑk/
UK/ɡɹˈɪdlɒk/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a situation where nothing can move because everything is blocked. It often describes heavy traffic or a political situation where no one can agree.
n. a state of total blockage or stalemate, typically in traffic or political negotiations. Often used to describe a situation where progress is impossible due to conflicting interests or physical obstructions.
Examples
“The city is in gridlock because of the construction.”
“The debate ended in gridlock as neither side was willing to compromise on the budget cuts.”
“Urban planners are struggling to alleviate the gridlock that occurs every morning when thousands of commuters converge on the downtown area simultaneously.”
Examples
simple
“The city is in gridlock because of the construction.”
contextual
“The debate ended in gridlock as neither side was willing to compromise on the budget cuts.”
complex
“Urban planners are struggling to alleviate the gridlock that occurs every morning when thousands of commuters converge on the downtown area simultaneously.”
Real-World Examples
“Third, federal social media policy in the United States is gridlocked .” Etymology
From grid + lock.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gridlock