dead-end

[ ded-end ]
/ ˈdɛdˈɛnd /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR dead-end ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

terminating in a dead end: a dead-end street.
Also dead-end·ed. having no possibility for or hope of progress, advancement, etc.: a low-level, dead-end job.
leading a life in the slums: growing up as a tough dead-end kid.

verb (used without object)

to come to a dead end: The road dead-ends at the lake.

Origin of dead-end

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby dead-end

dead zone, dead-air space, dead-and-alive, dead-ball line, dead-cat bounce, dead-end, dead-end host, dead-man's fingers, dead-man's float, dead-melt, dead-nettle

Definition for dead-end (2 of 2)

dead end

noun

something, as a street or water pipe, that has no exit.
a position that offers no hope of progress; blind alley; cul-de-sac: His theory led him to a dead end.

Origin of dead end

First recorded in 1885–90

Words related to dead-end

impassable, stalemate, obstruct, thwart, stonewall, foil, stall, impede, crimp, dim, disguised, secluded, dark, concealed, closed, obscured, blocked, mystify, prevent, cramp

Example sentences from the Web for dead-end

British Dictionary definitions for dead-end

dead end

noun

another name for cul-de-sac
a situation in which further progress is impossible
dead-end (as modifier) a dead-end street; a dead-end job

verb

(intr) mainly US and Canadian to come to a dead end

Idioms and Phrases with dead-end

dead end
1

A passage that has no exit, as in This street's a dead end, so turn back. [Late 1800s]

2

An impasse or blind alley, allowing no progress to be made. For example, This job is a dead end; I'll never be able to advance. [c. 1920]