logjam -
A situation where progress is halted due to a buildup of problems, delays, or obstacles.
The political negotiations reached a logjam when neither side was willing to compromise.
verb
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balk -
To hesitate or be unwilling to continue with an idea or action.
Max had made all the plans to move from his apartment to the senior citizens home, but at the last minute, he balked and just couldn’t go through with it.
adjective
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stranded -
Unable to leave somewhere because of a problem such as not having any transportation or money
After the shipwreck, Arthur was stranded on the island for 2 years until the was discovered and brought back to civilisation.
noun
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backlog -
A quantity of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been done
When Bill got back from his vacation, there was such a backlog of work to catch up with, that he had to work until 10pm every night for a week.
adjective
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interminable -
Endless (often used hyperbolically)
Victor dreaded going to the DMV, knowing he would spend an interminable amount of time there.
noun
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straggler -
A person or animal that is last in a group to do something or the last to get to or leave a place
While the other runners were far ahead of him, the straggler struggled at the back of the line.
noun
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impasse -
A situation where no progress is possible due to disagreement or a deadlock.
The peace talks reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise.
verb
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defuse -
To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.
The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.
verb
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dally -
To do something slowly or too slowly; to waste time
Ike had dozens of reports to read through, but he decided to dally in the office for most of the day instead of doing his work.
verb
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hinder -
To create difficulties for someone or something that results in a delay.
He's smart, but his chances of success was hindered by his laziness.
verb
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shirk -
To avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility.
Employees who shirk their duties result in unhappy customers and lower profits.
verb
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restrain -
To physically or metaphorically prevent someone or something from moving, acting, or progressing.
The police officer had to restrain the crowd to prevent further chaos during the protest.
