stalemate

/ˌsteɪlˈmeɪt/

/ˈsteɪlmeɪt/

Other forms: stalemated; stalemates; stalemating

A stalemate is an impasse in a contest, a point where neither player — usually in chess — can win or lose.

Stalemate is from an Old French word, estal, which means “place, position, or stand.” To be in a stalemate with an opponent is to be in a locked position, or a stalled place, where neither player can make a profitable move. Chess is the most common context for a stalemate, but any contest or negotiation can result in a stalemate: "The discussions about buying their competitor’s waffle house reached a stalemate and the deal died."

Definitions of stalemate

1. noun

   a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
   synonyms: dead end, deadlock, impasse, standstill

   type of:

   situation

   a complex or critical or unusual difficulty
2. noun

   drawing position in chess: any of a player's possible moves would place his king in check
   type of:

   draw, standoff, tie

   the finish of a contest in which the score is tied and the winner is undecided
3. verb

   subject to a stalemate
   type of:

   go, move

   have a turn; make one's move in a game