Dead-end — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective verb /ˈded-ˌend/ (adjective) /ˈded-ˈend/ (verb)

Meaning & Definition of Dead-end

Dead-end (adjective)

  1. lacking opportunities especially for advancement
  2. lacking an exit
  3. unruly

Dead-end (verb)

  1. to come to a dead end, terminate

Dead-end (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to come to an end

    "after several fruitless years, the research seems to have simply dead-ended"

    similar: break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, determine, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out), bite the dust
    related: desist (from), lay off (of), refrain (from), give over (British), knock off, pack (up or in), break down, conk (out), cut out, stall, pause, stay, suspend, abate, peter (out), wind down
    opposite: continue, hang on, persist
    near: draw out, extend, prolong, protract

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dead-end

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dead-end:

break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, determine, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out), bite the dust

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dead-end

Words with the opposite meaning of Dead-end:

continue, hang on, persist

Related Words for Dead-end

desist (from), lay off (of), refrain (from), give over, knock off, pack (up or in), break down, conk (out), cut out, stall, pause, stay, suspend, abate, peter (out), wind down

Near Antonyms of Dead-end

draw out, extend, prolong, protract

Word Forms of Dead-end

Inflections: dead-ended, dead-ending, dead-ends

Derived words: dead-endedness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Dead-end

First known use: 1868

Frequently Asked Questions about Dead-end

What does "Dead-end" mean?

"Dead-end" means lacking opportunities especially for advancement. As an an adjective and a verb, it is defined as: lacking opportunities especially for advancement.

What is another word for "Dead-end"?

Other words for "Dead-end" include break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, determine, die and discontinue. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dead-end" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dead-end"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dead-end". Common alternatives include break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, determine, die, discontinue, elapse and end.

What is the opposite of "Dead-end"?

Antonyms of "Dead-end" include continue, hang on and persist. Near antonyms include draw out, extend, prolong and protract.

How do you use "Dead-end" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dead-end" in a sentence: "after several fruitless years, the research seems to have simply dead-ended".

Is "Dead-end" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dead-end" can be used as an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Dead-end"?

"Dead-end" is pronounced /ˈded-ˌend/ as an adjective and /ˈded-ˈend/ as a verb.

What is the origin of the word "Dead-end"?

First known use: 1868.