impasse

Plural: impasses

Noun

• A situation where no progress is possible, a deadlock.
• a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
  • "reached an impasse on the negotiations"
• a street with only one way in or out
• A road with no exit; a cul-de-sac.
• A deadlock or stalemate situation in which no progress can be made.

Examples

• The game reached an impasse as both players had racks full of difficult letters.

Synonyms

blind alley, cul de sac, dead end, dead-end street, deadlock, stalemate, standstill