impasse UK /ˈæmpɑːs/US /ˈɪmpæs/ noun2 •A road with no exit. •(figurative) A deadlock or stalemate situation in which no progress can be made.“It seems to me the thing's an impasse. French expression,” I explained, “meaning that we're stymied good and proper with no hope of finding a formula.” — 1960 formsimpasses