Deadlock
Complete negotiation standstill
A deadlock is a standstill where opposing forces or parties cannot proceed because each blocks the other.
Labor negotiations reach deadlock when neither side will budge.
In computing, deadlock occurs when two processes each wait for resources the other holds, freezing both indefinitely.
The jury was in deadlock for three days.
To deadlock is to reach such an impasse.
Situation without resolution
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- logjamObstruction halting flow
breakdown · talks · diplomacy · mediation · arbitration · compromise · concession · dispute
Threaded rod for nuts
- latchDoor-securing catch
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
- cylinderCircular-based solid form
- tumblerFlat-bottomed drinking vessel
keyless · security · engage · disengage · fastener · door · gate · lever
Fiber for stitching
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
- race conditionOutcome depends on timing
- resourceAvailable stock or supply
- semaphoreFlag-based signaling system
concurrency · blocked · process · contention · timeout · starvation · multithreading · parallel
impasse
Situation without resolution
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
logjam · breakdown · talks · diplomacy · mediation · arbitration · compromise · concession · dispute · bargaining
bolt
Threaded rod for nuts
tumbler · keyless · security · engage · disengage · fastener · door · gate · lever · spring-loaded
thread
Fiber for stitching
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
- race conditionOutcome depends on timing
- resourceAvailable stock or supply
semaphore · concurrency · blocked · process · contention · timeout · starvation · multithreading · parallel · hang
hung jury
Unanimous verdict impossible
- mistrialInvalid court proceeding
- verdictOfficial court decision
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
juror · acquittal · conviction · recess · foreman · unanimous · polling · sequester · retrial · courtroom
- 2000 ADJudge Dredd, Lawgiver, Torquemada, Hammerstein, Origins
- MOBAsMOBA, heroes, champions, minion, creeps
Deadlockbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
resolution · agreement · settlement · compromise · solution
- break the deadlockEnd a prolonged standoff