What does deadlocked mean?
Deadlocked describes a situation in which progress has come to a complete halt because opposing sides are evenly matched and unwilling or unable to compromise. The word is most frequently applied to formal processes — treaty negotiations, parliamentary votes, labor disputes, and jury deliberations — though it can describe any standoff, from corporate mergers to sports contract talks. A deadlocked body is not necessarily hostile; often both sides simply lack the votes, leverage, or will to move first. The term derives from 'deadlock', a noun that originally referred to a type of lock that cannot be opened without its key, and the metaphor of a mechanism seized fast captures the word's sense of immobility well. Related terms include 'impasse' and 'stalemate', which overlap closely in meaning: 'stalemate' comes from chess, while 'deadlock' emphasizes total cessation of movement. Journalists use 'deadlocked' constantly in coverage of government shutdowns and hung juries, making it an essential word for understanding news about conflict and negotiation.
At a complete standstill because of mutually opposed parties unable to reach agreement.
"Negotiations were deadlocked over wage increases."
Most common in political, legal, and industrial relations contexts.
Past tense and past participle of 'deadlock': brought to a standstill through mutual opposition.
"The strike deadlocked after three months of fruitless talks."
A hung jury is literally a deadlocked one — twelve people frozen in place because no amount of argument can move either side.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deadlocked
The noun 'deadlock' appeared in English in the late 18th century, formed from 'dead' + 'lock' and referring to a lock that cannot be turned without a key. By the early 19th century it had acquired the figurative sense of a complete stoppage in negotiation or action. 'Deadlocked' is the adjectival form derived from this verb/noun, following the standard English pattern of forming participial adjectives from compound verbs.
Related word forms
How deadlocked is actually used
'Deadlocked' is most common in political, legal, and labor contexts, where formal negotiation is expected to produce agreement but has failed to do so. It carries a neutral-to-negative connotation, implying frustration and stalled progress rather than hostility.
Easily confused with deadlocked
'Deadlocked' refers to any impasse in discussion or decision-making, while 'gridlocked' specifically describes severe traffic congestion or, by extension, political paralysis.