Stalemate Meaning and Definition
Stalemate
Pronunciation
/steɪlˈmeɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A situation in which two or more parties have reached a deadlock or impasse in a negotiation, conflict, or competition, with neither party able to gain a decisive advantage.
Examples
- The two teams were in a stalemate after the first half of the game, with neither side able to score.
- Despite the best efforts of both parties, the negotiations reached a stalemate, and the deal was never signed.
- The company and the union were in a stalemate over wages and benefits, leading to a series of strikes.
- The two countries were in a stalemate over border disputes, with neither side willing to compromise.
- The debate over the budget proposal ended in a stalemate, with neither the president nor the congress able to agree.
Etymology
The word “stalemate” comes from the Middle English word “stalemâte,” which was derived from the Old French phrase “estale mate,” meaning “deadlocked.”
Usage Notes
The word “stalemate” is often used to describe a situation in which two or more parties are unable to make progress or achieve their goals due to a lack of consensus or a deadlock.
Cultural References
The term “stalemate” has been used in various contexts, including politics, business, and literature. In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, the protagonist Offred describes the oppressive society she lives in as a stalemate between the ruling class and the oppressed.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Fight to a stalemate
- At a stalemate
Related Words or Phrases
- Impasse
- Standoff
- Deadlock
- Cul-de-sac
Collocations
- Stalemate in negotiations
- Stalemate in conflict
- Stalemate in competition
Frequency of Use
The word “stalemate” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in the context of politics, business, and conflict resolution.
Common Misspellings
- Statmate
- Stalimate
- Stalemait