dead-end

Definitions

A street or passage that is closed at one end and has no exit.

A situation, course of action, or relationship that offers no prospect of progress or development.

Examples

We drove down the street only to realize it was a dead-end.

He felt that his current job was a dead-end with no room for promotion.

Synonyms

cul-de-sac blind alley deadlock impasse no-win situation standstill bottleneck

Antonyms

thoroughfare breakthrough advancement opportunity progression opening gateway