gridlock

/ˈɡrɪdlɒk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrɪdlɑːk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrid-ˌläk/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɡrɪd.lɒk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrɪd.lɑːk/ (ame, ipa)

gridlock — noun

1. a condition on city streets or highways where vehicles are packed so tightly tha

1.名詞B1
釋義

a condition on city streets or highways where vehicles are packed so tightly that nothing can move forward or backward

例句

The morning rush hour created a complete gridlock that trapped drivers for over two hours.

complete gridlock — common intensifier collocation

Amara sat in gridlock on the freeway, watching the clock tick past her appointment time.

同義詞
  • traffic jam

    more general, can describe any length of stopped traffic; gridlock suggests complete immobility across many streets

  • congestion

    formal term for heavy traffic; does not necessarily mean total stoppage

  • standstill

    emphasises that nothing is moving; can apply to traffic or other situations

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used with prepositions 'in' (stuck in gridlock) or the verb phrase 'end in gridlock'.

常見錯誤

❌There was a gridlock on the highway.
✅There was gridlock on the highway.
💡Gridlock is uncountable when used literally; do not add 'a'.

2. a situation in which two opposing groups each refuse to give way, so that nothin

2.名詞B2
釋義

a situation in which two opposing groups each refuse to give way, so that nothing gets done, especially in government or business

例句

The budget talks ended in gridlock after neither party would agree to the spending cuts.

end in gridlock — set phrase for negotiation breakdown

Political gridlock has stalled the new housing bill in the Senate for nearly a year.

同義詞
  • stalemate

    from chess; suggests neither side can make a move without losing

  • deadlock

    very close in meaning; often used in labour disputes and committee votes

  • impasse

    slightly more formal than gridlock; a situation where no progress is possible

反義詞
  • breakthrough

    a sudden advance or agreement after difficulty

  • compromise

    an agreement reached by both sides giving something up

用法筆記

Subject is usually a legislative body, committee, or negotiating group. Frequently modified by 'political' or 'legislative'.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting was a gridlock because no one agreed.
✅The meeting ended in gridlock because no one agreed.
💡Use 'end in gridlock' or 'reach gridlock', not 'be a gridlock'.

gridlock — verb