dead end

/ˌdɛd ˌɛnd/
/dɛd ɛnd/
IPA guide

Other forms: dead ends

Definitions of dead end
  1. noun
    a passage with access only at one end
    synonyms: cul, cul de sac
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    type of:
    passage
    a way through or along which someone or something may pass
  2. noun
    a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
    synonyms: deadlock, impasse, stalemate, standstill
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    type of:
    situation
    a complex or critical or unusual difficulty
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