Impasse

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