What does deadlock mean?
Deadlock refers to a state of affairs in which progress has come to a complete stop because two or more parties are equally powerful and neither side is willing to give ground. The word is most often applied to negotiations, legislative bodies, court juries, and diplomatic talks — anywhere that mutual opposition produces paralysis. A committee might end in deadlock when votes split evenly, or labor and management may reach deadlock when neither budges on wages. In computing, deadlock has a more technical sense: a situation where processes wait on one another for resources indefinitely, freezing the system. The word carries connotations of stagnation and frustration but not necessarily hostility; it simply names a standoff. Its most familiar fixed phrase, "break the deadlock," highlights how such impasses are usually resolved — by compromise, outside intervention, or a decisive new development that tips the balance toward one side.
A situation in which no progress can be made because opposing sides are equally strong and unwilling to compromise.
"The budget talks collapsed into deadlock."
Frequently modified by adjectives like 'complete', 'total', or 'political'.
(Of a group or process) To reach or cause a state of deadlock.
"The jury deadlocked for a second time, forcing the judge to consider a mistrial."
Standard plural; usually used when referring to multiple distinct instances, such as several separate disputes or computing scenarios.
"The treaty process suffered repeated deadlocks over border provisions."
'Deadlock' was born in politics, not engineering — it first appeared in 19th-century America to describe legislatures so evenly split that nothing could get done.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deadlock
Deadlock arose in English in the early-to-mid 19th century as a compound of "dead" and "lock", both ancient Germanic words inherited from Old English (dēad and loc). It appears to have originated in American political usage, describing legislatures or conventions immobilized by evenly divided opinion, before broadening to any irreconcilable standoff. The computing sense developed in the 20th century alongside multitasking systems. The compound shares its roots with everyday Germanic words such as "death" and "lock" itself.
Related word forms
How deadlock is actually used
"Deadlock" is neutral-to-negative in connotation, implying frustration and stagnation rather than blame. It is common in formal journalism and political commentary, especially regarding parliaments, juries, labor talks, and international diplomacy. The verb form ("the committee deadlocked") typically takes an even score, e.g. "deadlocked at four votes apiece."
Easily confused with deadlock
A deadbolt is a physical door lock that cannot be opened without turning its key, while a deadlock is a figurative stalemate between opposed parties.