What does impasse mean Meaning and Definition
What does impasse mean
Pronunciation
/ɪmˈpæs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
What does impasse mean: A situation in which no progress is possible because the people involved are unable to agree or are stuck in a conflict.
Examples
- The labor union and management were at an impasse, unable to reach a contract agreement.
- The two nations are at an impasse over the disputed territory.
Synonyms
- Stalemate
- Deadlock
- Cul-de-sac
Antonyms
- Agreement
- Accord
- Compromise
Additional Information
What does impasse mean is a situation where two or more parties are unable to reach an agreement or make progress due to their fundamental disagreements or conflicting interests. This can occur in various contexts, such as politics, labor relations, business negotiations, or international relations.
Impasse can also refer to a situation where a person is physically or mentally trapped, unable to move forward or escape.
The concept of impasse is closely related to the idea of stalemate, where both parties are evenly matched and unable to gain the upper hand.
Impasse can have negative consequences, such as wasted resources, lost opportunities, and strained relationships.
Breaking an impasse often requires creative problem-solving, compromise, or outside intervention.
Understanding the concept of impasse is essential in various fields, such as negotiation, conflict resolution, and diplomacy.
Impasse can also be a literary device used in fiction to create tension or suspense.
Etymology
The word “impasse” comes from the French language, where it is derived from the verb “passer,” meaning “to pass.” In French, an impasse is a literally a “dead-end” or a “cul-de-sac,” where it is impossible to pass or move forward.
Usage Notes
What does impasse mean is typically used in formal or written contexts to describe a situation where progress is impossible due to disagreements or conflicts.
It can also be used in informal conversations to convey a sense of frustration or futility.
Impasse is often used in the plural form “impasses” to describe multiple situations where progress is impossible.
Be cautious when using impasse in spoken language, as it can be misinterpreted or misunderstood.
Cultural References
What does impasse mean has been referenced in various works of literature, film, and music.
In the novel “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the protagonist experiences an impasse in his relationships with the rose and other characters.
In the film “The Usual Suspects,” the character Keyser Söze is described as being in an impasse with his enemies.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
What does impasse mean is often used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, such as “at an impasse,” “stuck in an impasse,” or “get out of an impasse.”
These phrases convey a sense of being stuck or unable to progress due to disagreements or conflicts.
Related Words or Phrases
What does impasse mean is closely related to other words and phrases, such as:
- Stalemate
- Deadlock
- Cul-de-sac
- Standstill
- Gridlock
Collocations
What does impasse mean is often used in collocations with words that convey a sense of disagreement or conflict, such as:
- agreement
- conflict
- negotiation
- stalemate
- deadlock
Frequency of Use
What does impasse mean is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in formal or written contexts.
It is often used in business, politics, and international relations to describe situations where progress is impossible due to disagreements or conflicts.
Common Misspellings
What does impasse mean can be misspelled as:
- impas
- empass
- empas