deadlock
Neither side yields
A deadlock is a standstill where opposing forces block each other and neither can move forward: Contract negotiations reached a deadlock.
In computing, deadlock occurs when two processes each wait for resources the other holds, freezing both.
The verb means to bring to such an impasse: The jury was deadlocked.
Mutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- logjamObstruction halting flow
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
Mexican standoff · paralysis · quagmire · cul-de-sac · roadblock · blockade · halt · stoppage
Speaks with others
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- arbitrationNon-court binding dispute resolution
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
compromise · concession · dialogue · parley · dispute · stalemate · impasse · breakthrough
Flag-based signaling system
- threadFiber for stitching
- processSteps toward a result
- concurrencyOverlapping execution of tasks
- race conditionOutcome depends on timing
synchronization · resource · multithreading · multiprocessing · scheduling · blocking · starvation · contention
Equal score, or neckwear
- drawCreate with pencil
- dead heatTied competition result
- nil-nilNo score either side
- scorelessWithout any points
overtime · tiebreaker · sudden death · replay · stalemate · penalty shootout · extra time · level
stalemate
Mutual obstruction preventing progress
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- logjamObstruction halting flow
bottleneck · Mexican standoff · paralysis · quagmire · cul-de-sac · roadblock · blockade · halt · stoppage · checkmate
talks
Speaks with others
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- arbitrationNon-court binding dispute resolution
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
bargaining · compromise · concession · dialogue · parley · dispute · stalemate · impasse · breakthrough · resolution
semaphore
Flag-based signaling system
- threadFiber for stitching
- processSteps toward a result
- concurrencyOverlapping execution of tasks
race condition · synchronization · resource · multithreading · multiprocessing · scheduling · blocking · starvation · contention · monitor
tie
Equal score, or neckwear
scoreless · overtime · tiebreaker · sudden death · replay · stalemate · penalty shootout · extra time · level · even
bolt
Threaded rod for nuts
tumbler · key · door · security · chain · hasp · padlock · mortise · strike plate
- Standoffsstalemate, standoff, impasse, gridlock, standstill
- tensionsstrain, friction, hostility, discord, strife
- tiestie, necktie, bow tie, bow ties, bowtie
- catch-22svicious cycle, poverty trap, debt spiral, infinite regress
- jury trialjury deliberation, jury selection, juror selection, voir dire, jury pool
- obstructionobstruction, delay, roadblock, blockade, barricade
deadlockbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
advance · progress · resolution · momentum · headway
deadlockagreement
Shared position between parties
resolution · settlement · accord · compromise · consensus
deadlockdecisive victory
Overwhelming win, clear outcome
decision · winner · verdict · conclusion · determination
- break the deadlockEnd a prolonged standoff
- breaking the deadlockEnding a standoff
- broke the deadlockEnded a standoff
- deadlocked juryPanel unable to agree
- broken the deadlockEnded a standoff