Stalemate

Stalemate refers to a situation in a game, contest, or negotiation where no progress can be made, and neither party can achieve a victory or advantageous position. In the context of chess, for example, a stalemate occurs when a player has no legal moves left but is not in check, resulting in a draw. The term can also be applied more broadly to any scenario where conflicting parties reach an impasse, meaning that further action or resolution becomes impossible due to the circumstances. Stalemates can arise in political discussions, business negotiations, or competitive contexts, indicating a deadlock that often necessitates re-evaluation or alternate strategies to move forward.