stalemate

Word parts

stale + mate

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/

Noun

Singular stalemate

Plural stalemates

1. A stalemate is a special position in chess, where no one loses or wins.

   Since I had a large advantage, his only hope was to force a stalemate.

2. A stalemate is a situation where there is no obvious way forward, but where no one loses.
   • Synonyms: deadlock and impasse

Related words

• checkmate