dead-end
/ˈdɛdˈɛnd/ 
Show Spelled Pronunciation [ded-end] Show IPA –adjective | 1. | terminating in a dead end: a dead-end street. |
| 2. | Also, dead-ended. having no possibility for or hope of progress, advancement, etc.: a low-level, dead-end job. |
| 3. | leading a life in the slums: growing up as a tough dead-end kid. |
–verb (used without object) | 4. | to come to a dead end: The road dead-ends at the lake. |
Origin: 1885–90
dead end
n. An end of a passage, such as a street or pipe, that affords no exit. A point beyond which no movement or progress can be made; an impasse.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases
dead end
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A passage that has no exit, as in This street's a dead end, so turn back. [Late 1800s]
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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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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