1
: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill
the deadlock was broken with a key compromise
2
: a tie score
deadlock
verb
Examples of deadlock in a Sentence
City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.
His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Antlers bounced back from an early 9-6 deficit to force an 18-18 halftime deadlock, then outscored the Eagles 12-8 in the third quarter to take a 30-26 lead.
—
Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
In the event of a deadlock, the lower court’s ruling stands.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2026
The Banking Committee is comprised of 13 Republicans and 11 Democrats, meaning one Republican defection can cause a deadlock and block a nominee from advancing.
—Garrett Downs,emily Wilkins, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
Batherson had yet another chance to break the deadlock later in the same powerplay, but found the far post with a wide open net in front of him.
—Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
-ˌläk 
: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in
deadlock
verb
Legal Definition
deadlock
noun
dead·lock
ˈded-ˌläk
: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as
a
: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge
b
: impasse
c
: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting
deadlock
verb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
