impasse

An impasse is a situation in which progress becomes blocked and a resolution cannot be reached with the current approach. In negotiations and disputes, an impasse occurs when parties cannot agree on essential terms and further concessions seem unlikely or impossible.

Etymology: The term comes from the French impasse, meaning blocked passage, from in- (not) + pas (a step or passage).

Contexts: In politics and business, impasses can lead to deadlock or stalemate. In law, a jury may reach an impasse if they cannot agree on a verdict (a hung jury). In puzzles or games, players may encounter an impasse when no legal moves remain or when available information prevents progress.

Causes and approaches: Impasses arise from incompatible interests, insufficient concessions, power imbalances, or information gaps. Breaking an impasse often requires mediation or third-party facilitation, reframing the problem, creating negotiable options, subdividing issues, or introducing deadlines or incentives.

Impact and related terms: Prolonged impasses can exhaust participants and increase dissatisfaction, but they can also incentivize new strategies or institutional changes. Related terms include deadlock, stalemate, and gridlock.