ENGLISH
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stalemate

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈsteɪɫˌmeɪt// UK //stˈeɪlmeɪt// stale·mate

n. a situation where neither side in an argument or competition can win or make progress. It is like a tie where everyone is stuck and nothing more can happen.

n. a situation in which further action or progress by opposing parties seems impossible. In chess, it refers specifically to a position where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no legal move.


SIMPLE

The peace talks ended in a stalemate.

CONTEXTUAL

After weeks of intense negotiations, the union and the management reached a stalemate over the proposed salary increases.

COMPLEX

The geopolitical conflict has devolved into a bitter stalemate, with both nations unwilling to concede territory yet lacking the military resources to achieve a decisive victory.

Synonyms
Origin

From stale + mate.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'reach', 'end in', or 'break'.

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