1. a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
2. a road or passage having no exit; a dead end

Examples

• The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise.
• Budget talks have hit an impasse over spending cuts.
• The divorce proceedings came to an impasse over custody arrangements.
• We drove down the narrow street only to find it was an impasse.
• The peace talks ended in an impasse after three days of discussions.
• Labor and management remain at an impasse regarding wages.
• The committee meeting reached an impasse on the new policy proposal.