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GRE vocabulary

impasse

nounHigh-frequency wordMore I words

a situation in which no progress is possible because opposing sides cannot agree

Word origin: From French impasse, a dead-end street, from in-, not, plus passer, to pass.

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In a sentence

Impasse in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing impasse in a sentence.

Negotiations reached an impasse when neither party would compromise on the key terms.

Wage talks reached an impasse, with management and the union each refusing to move first.

Synonyms
deadlockstalematestandstill
Antonyms
breakthroughresolutionprogress
Usage & nuance

Using “impasse” well

An impasse is a deadlock in which no progress is possible because opposing sides will not yield. It names the situation of being stuck, not a temporary slowdown.

Common questions

Questions about “impasse

Impasse (noun) means a situation in which no progress is possible because opposing sides cannot agree
Here is impasse used in an example sentence: "Negotiations reached an impasse when neither party would compromise on the key terms." Another example: "Wage talks reached an impasse, with management and the union each refusing to move first."
Common synonyms for impasse include deadlock, stalemate, standstill.
Antonyms of impasse include breakthrough, resolution, progress.
Clusters with deadlock, stalemate, and standstill, opposed by breakthrough, resolution, and progress. The GRE tests the sense of a negotiation or dispute that has stalled completely.
Yes. Impasse is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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