Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Impasse
noun
/ IM-pass /
Easy
Meaning
A situation in which no progress seems possible; a deadlock or stalemate where opposing sides cannot reach an agreement.
Origin / Etymology
French impasse, from im- (not) + passe (passage) — literally, a dead end
Synonyms
Deadlock
Stalemate
Standstill
Antonyms
Breakthrough
Resolution
Progress
Example Sentence
"India-Pakistan trade relations reached an impasse after Pakistan unilaterally suspended bilateral trade in 2019 following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 International Relations answers when describing stalled negotiations, treaty deadlocks, or bilateral disputes. Also useful in GS2 Centre-State relations when discussing constitutional or financial impasses between the Union and states.
Relevant Subjects