1. In chess, a situation in which no winner is possible because neither player can move a piece without placing the king in check: The chess champion was astonished to find herself in a stalemate with her opponent.
2. Any tie or deadlock; or a position in which no action can be taken resulting in a complete standoff or impasse: The national budget debate in the Senate ended in a stalemate.

The union delegates announced that there was a stalemate in the contract negotiations with the city.