deadlock
noun [ C or U ]
uk/ˈdedlɒk/ usa situation in which people cannot agree and no progress can be made:
a deadlock between sb (and sb) There was deadlock between the directors and the negotiating committee.
a deadlock in sth The deadlock in the talks meant that the dispute was taken to arbitration.
a deadlock on/over sth There was a legislative deadlock over how to reduce property taxes.
end in/reach deadlock Nurses went on strike after pay talks ended in deadlock.
break/end a deadlock Bosses have been in intense negotiations with employees to break a deadlock over the proposed pay cuts.