1. situations in which no progress is possible because of disagreement; deadlocks
Usage: plural of impasse
2. roads or passages that have no way out; dead ends
Usage: plural of impasse; literal sense

Examples

• The negotiations reached several impasses before finally breaking down.
• Both political parties found themselves in impasses over the budget proposal.
• The maze contained multiple impasses that forced visitors to backtrack.
• Labor disputes often result in impasses between unions and management.
• The mountain trail had several impasses where hikers had to turn around.
• Diplomatic impasses can last for years without resolution.