Dead end Meaning in English
expression
ˈdɛd/ /ˈɛnd
DED-END
dˈɛd/ /ˈɛnd
DED-END
Definition
A 'dead end' is a road or path that does not go through, so you have to turn back, or a situation with no possible progress or solution.
Usage & Nuances
Used both literally (roads/paths) and figuratively (life, work, relationships). Figurative use is very common: 'a dead end job', 'hit a dead end', 'the project reached a dead end'. Neutral/formal register; not slang.
Spanish: callejón sin salida - punto muertoPortuguese (BR): beco sem saída - impassePortuguese (PT): beco sem saída - impasseChinese (Simplified): 死胡同 - 绝路Chinese (Traditional): 死衚衕 - 絕路Hindi: संकटपूर्ण मोड़ - बंद रास्ताArabic: طريق مسدود - مأزقBengali: অন্তহীন গলি - বন্ধ পথ - অগ্রগতির শেষRussian: тупикJapanese: 行き止まり - 袋小路 - 行き詰まりVietnamese: đường cụt - bế tắcKorean: 막다른 길 - 막다른 상황Turkish: çıkmaz sokak - çıkmazUrdu: بند گلی - بند راستہ - بے نتیجہ صورتحالIndonesian: jalan buntu - jalan buntu (secara kiasan)
Example Sentences
This street is a dead end.
basic
We reached a dead end and had to turn around.
basic
Her new job felt like a dead end.
basic
After hours of searching, we realized we were stuck at a dead end.
natural
The conversation hit a dead end, so we changed the topic.
natural
I don't want to spend years in a dead end job with no future.
natural