no win situation
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
- trappedUnable to escape
- catch-22Paradoxical no-win situation
dilemma · hopeless · lose-lose · cornered · stuck · checkmate · gridlock · quagmire · bind · pickle · damned · futile · impossible · standoff · boxed in · dead end · quicksand · vicious cycle
outcome favorability
no win situationwin-win situation
Outcome benefiting all parties
win-win · sure thing · slam dunk · easy win · golden opportunity
strategic advantage
no win situationdominant position
State of prevailing control
upper hand · winning position · position of strength · trump card · pole position